Mentoring Program
On-Site Career Exploration Programs
YCAL has established relationships with business partners to provide our High School students opportunities to explore different careers at no cost to the student. Participation in these programs increases students’ understanding of the unique training, education, and work standards required to successfully pursue a given career path.
Please note that On-Site Career Exploration Programs have limited seating. Students are able to apply through the deadline date which is two weeks prior to the day the program is scheduled to meet. Once the deadline occurs, students will be accepted into each program by grade level (12th, 11th, 10th, etc.) and then by order the application was received to provide an opportunity for those closer to graduation to attend the program.
Students will be notified if they have been accepted into the program via the email provided on their application approximately 2 weeks before the start of the program.
CLICK HERE to apply to an On-Site Career Exploration Program
| Program Host | Program Name | Date | Description | Career Cluster | Grade Eligibility | Application Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Architecture & Civil Engineering | 2/15/23 | Hosted by one of York's leading and award-winning firms, Warehaus will discuss how Architects and Civil Engineers both play a valuable role in the planning, design, and supervision of building sites and structures. | Architecture, Construction | 11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Business Administration & Sales | 2/21/23 | Exploring a career in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions essential to efficient, business operations, the sales process from business development to the close, and to service after the sale. | Business Management, Administration | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Skilled Trades | 3/03/23 | This program will offer future skilled trade professionals the opportunity to build their skill sets and gain first-hand experience before joining the workforce. Students will be introduced to what the Pre-Apprenticeship has to offer. Students interested in the P-A will participate in hands-on training sessions, including framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, and masonry, as well as introductions to AutoCAD and blueprint design and reading. | Architecture, Construction | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Healthcare (Spring) | 3/16/23 | An overview of fields such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Surgical Technician, and Medical Assisting. | Health Science | 9,10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Hospitality & Tourism Mangaement | 3/17/23 | A focus on career paths in hotels, restaurants, catering, golf courses, senior-living facilities, sports teams, resorts, and much more. | Hospitality Tourism | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Medical Assistant | 3/22/23 | MA's provide support to physicians and other medical professionals as they examine and treat patients, such as drawing blood, administering medications, and taking and recording vital signs. | Health Science | 9,10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
| Sports Management | 3/24/23 | Explore education and training necessary in areas like professional sports, college athletics, sports marketing, and community sports & fitness. | Business Management, Administration | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Artistic Careers | 3/29/23 | Learn about Art Galleries, the Art Industry, and career opportunities in the field of art and beyond. | Arts | 9,10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Manufacturing Careers | 3/30/23 | A machinist is a trained professional who designs parts and models, makes blueprints, sets up and operates a wide variety of pneumatic, hydraulic, and stationary tools, and also possesses detail-oriented skills and know-how to run grinders, lathes, hand tools, and other complex machinery. Someone who is looking to work in manufacturing or become a pre-apprentice at the Manufacturers Association will learn introductory knowledge and skills for modern manufacturing. | Manufacturing | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
| Natural Sciences | 3/31/23 | Students can look forward to a day of exploring biology, chemistry, and environmental horticulture. Environmental Horticulture will explore microscopic structures in plants, and learn about aquaponic and hydroponic plant production. Biology will learn about scientific techniques and their application to careers in the field. Student will explore cell culture and molecular biology. Chemistry will focus on soil analysis with the ICP MS and a DNA analysis exercise. | Sciences | 11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
| Education | 4/04/23 | Students can look forward to a day of exploring the traits, talents, and skills it takes to be a successful educator as well as exploring what specialization might be the best match to their strengths. | Education & Training | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Financial Services | 4/05/23 | A focus on careers in the credit union, banking, or institutions that manage clients' money. | Finance | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Court Reporter | 4/11/23 | Plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by utilizing technology and communication skills. Will record and relay information for use during and after a trial. | Law, Public Safety | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Nursing Simulation | 4/14/23 | Work through simulations of how to draw blood, give injections, wrap dressings, and how to intubate a patient. Again, this is a simulation where students will work on a mannequin. *NOTE: students must have evidence of immunizations to enter the hospital and participate in this program. | Health Science | 11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Water & Environmental Technology | 4/18/23 | A look into the process of water quality starting with the pumping station, treatment plant, Lake Williams Dam, and troubleshooting steps to solve electromechanical problems. | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics | 11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | Electrician | 4/19/23 | An electrician installs, repairs, and maintains electrical wiring and equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial locations. Students who are pre-apprentices at YEI will reinforce the hard skills they are taught on the job with lab activities and also learn soft skills in ethics, leadership, and communication to name a few. | Architecture, Construction | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
| Cosmetology | 4/21/23 | Cosmetologists work with individuals to help enhance their appearance, typically working with a person’s hair, skin and nails. In many cases, those looking to enter into this field should enjoy working closely with others, as they are providing personal care to customers and work closely with others. Successful candidates for this field should also have physical stamina as many positions require you to be up and on your feet quite often. | Human Services | 9,10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
 | HVAC & Plumbing | 4/25/23 | This program will explore careers in the HVAC and plumbing industry which involves the installation and servicing of heating, ventilation, cooling (air conditioning), and refrigeration systems as well as the service and installation of piping and mechanical systems for commercial, industrial, and health-care related facilities. | Architecture, Construction | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
| Leadership Challenge (Juniors Only) | 4/26/23 | This program allows students to explore and practice proven leadership skills through hands-on activities. Taking advantage of opportunities to cultivate leadership skills is a distinction that will set them apart from their peers during this pivotal time in their lives. | 11 | APPLY NOW! | |
 | Psychology and Human Services | 4/28/23 | This program focuses on students with an interest in the study of people, their behaviors, their mental development, and the treatment of social and mental health issues. | Human Services | 10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
| Mechatronics | 5/10/23 | Electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and computer control systems are being integrated to create new and improved automated manufacturing production systems. | Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics | 9,10,11,12 | APPLY NOW! |
Virtual Career Exploration Programs
Throughout 2020-2021, YCAL created a library of on-demand content which can be viewed on the next page, categorized by career cluster.
Where available, YCAL will work with its partners to provide on-site opportunities for students throughout the school year.
All programs are 60-90 minutes in length and are available now for on-demand viewing.
CLICK HERE to download a printable, version of the Virtual Career Exploration Programs.
Click on the hosts’ logo below to register and view each recorded program.
| Host (Click Logo to Register) | Program Name | Description | Career Cluster |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Accounting | Hosted by one of the region’s leading accounting firms, this session will provide an overview of the Accounting field, providing additional insight on the various types of career paths and roles in the accounting field. | Finance |
 | Agriculture | This session will provide an overview of AgroScience, discussing various career paths and providing an overview of the science behind working with natural resources. | Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources |
 | Architectural & Civil Engineering | Hosted by one of York's leading and award-winning firms, Warehaus will discuss how Architects and Civil Engineers both play a valuable role in the planning, design, and supervision of building sites and structures. | Architecture & Construction; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |
 | Automotive Industry | This session will discuss career opportunities in the automotive industry which will include the STEM elements, training and education needed to be an automotive technician and beyond. | Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; |
 | CDL (Commercial Driving) | This session will discuss the necessary and available training and the various job opportunities available in the field of commercial driving. | Transportation, Distribution & Logistics |
 | Cosmetology | This session explores how cosmetologists work with individuals to help enhance their appearance, typically working with a person’s hair, skin, and nails. In many cases, those looking to enter this field should enjoy working closely and providing care to others. | Human Services |
 | Criminal Justice & Forensics | Hosted by the York County District Attorney’s Office, this session provides a general overview of various roles of law enforcement in our County’s legal system. | Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security |
 | Culinary | Hosted by YTI Career Institute’s Pennsylvania School of Culinary Arts, this program will discuss training, techniques, and careers in the culinary field. | Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources |
 | Education | This program is for students who are interested in pursuing the noble profession of an educator. This session will discuss the various traits, talents, and skills it takes to be a successful educator as well as exploring what specialization might be the best match to their strengths. | Education & Training |
 | Electrician | This program will provide an overview of the electrical trade and a preview of the six-week Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship Boot Camp. Students interested in the trades will want to check this one out, as careers in the electrician field are in high demand and are projected to grow over the next 10 years. | Architecture & Construction |
 | Engineering | This session provides an overview of various opportunities in the field of Engineering and a panel of Engineering professionals that serve on the advisory board of Penn State. | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |
| Financial Services | This program will discuss the financial services industry, highlighting its importance in our daily lives personally and its vital role for businesses to operate. Special attention will be given to the many different roles working with a bank or credit union to make them successful. | Finance |
| Hospitality Management | This program will provide you with information on the various career paths and education required to work in hotels, restaurants, catering, golf courses, senior-living facilities, sports teams, resorts, and many other service industries. | Hospitality & Tourism |
 | Information Technology | Students interested in a career working with computers, technology, and networks will want to check out this two-part series which will focus on the field of information technology. This program will include a discussion about the IT industry, various educational paths, and career options after completing their studies through a discussion with a panel comprised of several key members working in the IT field. The second session will focus in on specific topics of guided by the interests shared with the program hosts by attendees at part-one with a planned hands-on lab! CLICK HERE for Part 1B and CLICK HERE for Part 2! | Information Technology |
 | Insurance Careers | This session explores how the Insurance industry is a vital part to all individuals and businesses as it protects against loss. With career opportunities including Actuarial Sciences, Claims, IT, Marketing, Sales, and Underwriting, students interested in a future pursuit in business will want to check this out. | Finance; Business Management & Administration; Marketing |
 | Law | This session will introduce students to the training and education required to pursue a career in the legal field. Students will also learn about the various roles and specializations that lawyers can choose. | Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security |
 | Manufacturing Careers | Hosted by the Manufacturers' Association, this session will provide a background on the careers and available training and education available to be a part of modern manufacturing, done in a clean environment by highly-skilled workers contributing to an intricate process. | Manufacturing |
| Mechatronics | This program will discuss the rapidly-growing Mechatronics and Industrial Controls Technology field. Students with an interest in pursuing a career in electronics, robotics, maintenance, manufacturing, engineering, or automation will want to check out this program. | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Manufacturing |
 | Nursing | This session will provide an overview of the Nursing field and discuss the various types of roles and responsibilities of nurses and the education and training required for each one. | Health Science |
 | Occupational Therapy Assistant | This program will delve into the specific field of healthcare that works closely with patients to help them overcome challenges. Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) help teach techniques for patients to maintain independent living and a high quality of life. OTA’s typically obtain a 2-year Associates degree and this session will touch upon the training and education required to work in this field. | Health Science |
| Phlebotomist | Phlebotomists specialize in blood collection and laboratory testing related to blood. Phlebotomists play a very important and specific role in the healthcare field that requires technical knowledge, customer service, communication, and accuracy. This program will touch upon the steps to obtain a Phlebotomy Certificate. | Health Science |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | This session will explore the specific role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA). PTA’s work closely with patients to deliver physical therapy services that align with a Physical Therapist’s plan of care. In addition to the career, this session will also highlight the 2-year Associates Degree PTA program offered at Central Penn College. | Health Science |
 | Psychology/Human Studies | This program is designed for students looking to explore a career in the study of people, their behaviors, their mental development, and the treatment of social and mental health issues. | Human Services |
 | Respiratory Care | This session will introduce students to the role of a Respiratory Care specialist and the training that is required. Students who think they may be interested in Nursing should check this program out! | Health Science |
 | Skilled Trades | This session will discuss various aspects and opportunities in the construction industry, specifically including the information on the various divisions at Kinsley from the division’s leaders, the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship, and Kinsley’s Registered Apprenticeship through the Kinsley Education Center. | Architecture & Construction |
| Sports Management | This program will discuss the various career paths available in the sport industry. Students can also look forward to hearing about the education and training necessary to work in areas like professional sports, college athletics, sports marketing, and community sports and fitness. | Business Management & Administration; Hospitality & Tourism |
 | Veterinary | This session will focus on the job opportunities and working environments of those looking to pursue a career in the Veterinary field. | Health Science |
 | Water and Environmental Technology | This session will discuss a perhaps lesser-known field that is on leading edge of protecting public health and the environment. This is a great session to explore for students with math and science aptitude and a desire to make a difference in the world around them. | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics |