Program helping MHS grads do well in working world

by Larry Chowning – 

Often partnerships between business, government, nonprofit organizations, individuals and schools help contribute to the success of students finding good jobs when coming from small counties like Middlesex.

A generational problem facing Middlesex High School graduates is that after graduation they are often unable to afford to come home to work and earn wages enough to support families.

Good jobs are scarce and competition for those jobs in the county and in surrounding counties close enough to commute are extremely competitive.

“Graduates need to be prepared right out of high school to go out into the world to compete in the job market,” said Lou Belcher of Williamsburg and formerly of Urbanna, who donates his time to work with the Middlesex High School (MHS) guidance department and corporations such as Walmart and WestRock Paper Mill in finding jobs for students.

On Sept. 3, Belcher was asked by Walmart reps in Gloucester to put on a seminar to managers and employees at the store on customer relationships.

“It needs to be emphasized that good job skills are just basic good life skills that we should be encouraging daily in life and in the workplace,” he said. “People need to get to work on time, have a good attitude while there and try to be a team player helping customers and those around you.”