Wegmans has consistently offered the time and insight of its employees to help prepare students from all career programs across Mercer County Technical Schools (MCTS) for the workforce. In addition to participating in Future Friday presentations full of career advice, Wegmans team members also provide on-the-job mentorship to culinary students, with 12 students hired just this year. MCTS appreciates collaborating with the Wegmans team, naming the supermarket chain its 2024 Business Partner of the Year.
The Future Friday presentations, organized monthly by MCTS work-based learning coordinators, bring business partners face-to-face with students from all career programs to discuss career goals and how to reach them, offer help with interviews, and provide resume support and general career guidance and coaching. Wegmans regularly participates to not only give advice, but also share opportunities to join the company and grow a career. Company representatives also offer additional support by serving on both the MCTS General Advisory and Culinary Arts Advisory boards.
“Whether welcoming students on field trips to meet with staff and management at the store or visiting campus and speaking to students, Wegmans has consistently provided support and feedback to Mercer County Technical Schools for decades,” said Mick Orfe, director of pupil services.
“The value in this partnership with Mercer County Technical Schools and the students is part of our own values that we live every day, by ‘Making a Difference’ in the communities that we serve,” said Wegmans Princeton Store Manager Carl Curtiss. “This partnership has been in existence for years and has become a valuable resource for us as we continue to grow, and it gives the students an opportunity to learn in a real-world environment while developing their skills. The students have opportunities to develop and be part of a Top 100 Company, while also continuing their education with a chance to compete for a scholarship. The program has evolved over the years and will continue. We are grateful for this partnership with both students and the staff and share in the commitment to invest in the students’ futures.”
Wegmans also steps up consistently to donate food for district events and competitions, including SkillsUSA contests. That’s an added bonus of having a partnership with such a top-notch supermarket chain known for its culinary creations.
