Job Site Visit

"Visiting Whirlpool" "Thank You, Mrs. Kelly"

"[My favorite activity was] the Field Trip, because I like going through doors that I have never been through before."

The Job Site Visit, usually scheduled for the next-to-the-last session with the class, is one of the most popular segments of the program with the students--as well as the one which ties together all of the classroom lessons. Students have a good time touring the consultant's place of business (or another appropriate site), while the concepts that they have learned in the classroom come alive.

NOTE: due to school budget constraints, many schools are no longer able to fund transportation to site visits. Instead, consultants are choosing walking tours of downtown areas close to schools, bringing in visitors to talk about lessons covered in the JA program, showing videos that illustrate something covered in that particular grade's program, bringing their business to the classroom in some form, etc. If you cannot arrange a site visit but wish to do something special in-class to tie up all the JA activities, be imaginative! JA staff may be able to assist you with suggestions.

Some first-time volunteers who can set up site visits are very apprehensive about choosing the business and setting up the field trip. However, arranging the site visit is simple, if you follow these five steps:

	Arrange the date, time, and location of the job site visit at least four weeks in advance so that the teacher can arrange transportation.
	Recommended location is your place of business if it is suitable to illustrate the concepts you have taught in Junior Achievement. If your place of business does not lend itself well to classroom visits, or if your class has participated in previous JA programs and has already visited your place of business, take a look at the material and think of another local business that may be suitable . If you have no ideas of your own, the classroom teacher or the JA staff may be able to suggest a good place for the class to visit.
	The site visit should last approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours, including transportation time.
	Provide as many opportunities for the students to observe how the business operates as possible. You could include product/service development, how the product/service is produced, marketing and/or advertising of the product/service, etc.
	Follow up with a discussion at the next class presentation (keep reading for suggested topics of discussion).

"My favorite Junior Achievement activity was going to Whirlpool because I learned how you put together a washing machine, and I learned a lot more things about resources!"

Here are some suggested discussion questions. Please remember to phrase your questions at your class's level!

What good or service does this business/organization provide?
What resources are needed to provide this good/service?
What role does this business play in the community?
What different jobs did you observe?
What skills are required for each job?
What education is required for each job?
How is this business/organization organized (corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership?)
What method is used to produce this product or how is this service delivered?
How does the business market its product?

"I learned how a bank runs, and what kind of workers it needs to run smoothly."

As always, the Junior Achievement staff is here for you if you have any questions, comments, or difficulties (phone 269-983-7579 or email info@michianaja.org). You may be surprised by the enthusiasm and knowledge of your students, as well as how much fun you have yourself!