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Microburst Learning announces collaboration with new PR firm

Submitted by: Karen Owens on May 20, 2010 at 6:17 pm Tagged with: career exploration, E-Learning, Education, Personal Pathways to Success, virtual job shadows Source: Karen Owens Communications LLC

Microburst Learning and Karen Owens Communications have entered into a collaborative agreement to promote the development of Virtual Job Shadowing modules for South Carolina students. The online modules allow high school students as well as educators and parents throughout the state to explore the multitude of career opportunities that exist in today’s workplace. This initiative is closely aligned with the state’s Personal Pathways to Success™ efforts to get students excited about their studies as they prepare to choose a meaningful career path for the future.

“We are excited to have Karen working with us as we meet with companies and organizations around the state to demonstrate these easy-to-use e-learning tools and secure valuable support,” explained Microburst CEO Jordy Johnson. “She has a wealth of contacts from her time at the Commerce Department and Silver Crescent Foundation, and we look forward to working together to build our inventory of Virtual Job Shadows (VJS) in the coming months.”

Currently Microburst has developed six VJS modules (Carpenter, Chemical Operator, Electrician, HVAC, Lab Technician, and Plumber) for students to review and has another 10 in development that should be completed this summer. Those modules focus on jobs in the Information Technology, Health Science, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and Architecture & Construction clusters.

The Personal Pathways to Success™ provides a platform for industry clusters to engage with high school students as they explore careers and choose a cluster of study which is now required of all South Carolina students. Working with the State Department of Education and numerous business and organizational partners, Microburst is working to develop 160 modules, 10 VJS for each of the 16 career clusters, by September 2011.

“During my time with the Silver Crescent Foundation, I met with many business leaders who were deeply concerned about having skilled and productive employees as they work to remain competitive in today’s global marketplace,” said Karen Owens. “These modules provide a great opportunity for companies interested in getting young people to consider career paths that align with their business model and they let students see firsthand what a typical day in the life of a carpenter, engineer, lab technician or IT professional looks like. With 24/7 online access, it doesn’t matter if a student is in Hampton County or Greenville. They can complete these interactive 20-minute lessons at school, home or anywhere they have Internet access.”

Microburst Learning is a SC-based firm that offers highly interactive approaches for personal and professional development. They provide virtual services to students for career planning, employment seeking, training, and other support functions as well as custom e-learning content to meet education and business clients’ training needs.

Karen Owens Communications specializes in marketing and public relations for a variety of small business clients looking to increase their business through enhanced communications.