Career Technical and Specialized Education
12 for Life
About
12 For Life is a unique partnership between Southwire Manufacturing and Florence City Schools. By combining traditional classroom instruction with jobs inside a real manufacturing plant, students are sure to receive a balanced education.
12 For Life has had more than 2000 graduates since 2007. Students attend school for a portion of the day and work at Southwire for the other portion of the day. Students spend their time learning important work and life skills. They get the best of both worlds by working regular hours, earning actual wages, and most importantly, learning skills they will need to carry them through a lifetime of success.
Components
PREPARING FOR SUCCESS
This program is designed to equip students for success beyond high school. Our students graduate with a foundation built on high self-expectations, mental and emotional strength,and goal-driven outcomes. Students learn this foundation through hands-on training, classroom development, and mentoring.
HANDS-ON TRAINING:
Students gain valuable hands-on experience of the manufacturing process as they produce finished products that are shipped to current Southwire customers. In the process, students learn the importance of safety, quality, and productivity in the workplace. They also learn skills such as time- management, problem solving, decision-making, and personal accountability.
CLASSROOM DEVELOPMENT:
Students attend a 30 minute class each day before their shift time. In the classroom, students learn a variety of skills as well as work towards earning certifications. Through the 12 For Life curriculum, students learn valuable employability and life sills such as attendance, work ethic, attitude, appearance, teamwork, communication, financial literacy, and interview skills. Students also gain career exposure through monthly business presentations.
MENTORING:
An important part of developing students for real-world success is through personal mentoring. Florence City School and Southwire employees share their time and experience through a program that provides one-on-one support for students. Students are guided through life challenges, work-related issues, and making good choices. Students have multiple adult figures to offer support and encouragement through everyday life.
School Dynamic
A unique partnership exists between Florence City Schools and Southwire to make it possible for students to work during the school day. Students complete core classes at school for a portion of the day and complete a four-hour shift at Southwire the other portion of the day. Students also have the option to work the after-school shift.
The shift times include: 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. with the addition of a 30-minute class prior to each shift, each day. Students are also required to work one or two Saturdays per month.
If a student is selected for a shift during the school day, the time is built into the student's school schedule; therefore, becoming a part of the student's class periods.
A student earns 3 CTE credits for completing one school year in the 12 For Life program along with earning their College and Career Readiness Indicator. Completion of the program includes attending the employability skills class, completing 20 hours of work per week, and earning certifications.