The 2020 Job Shadow Day is March 18, 2020 at various locations throughout the Chicagoland area.  The IRA Educational Foundation offered opportunities to more than 200 ProStart® students participating at dozens of host locations in 2019. Students spent approximately four hours in a restaurant, bakery, hotel, and with other industry partners to gain hands-on experience in the front of house/back of house.  We hope that you will please consider being part of this special learning opportunity for our students.

What is Job Shadow Day?

Job Shadow Day is a day local restaurants, hotels and businesses come together to offer ProStart® students the opportunity to gain a real-world view of the industry. This four (4) hour experience includes:

• Introduction/ Orientation to your operation
• Hands-on-learning experience (BOH, FOH, etc...)
• Lunch
• Question and answer session

Who are ProStart® students?

High school students studying culinary arts and hospitality management. The IRA Educational Foundation partners with schools to offer programming and opportunities to expose these students in the restaurant industry. ProStart® students have a vested interest in the industry and have had work-based learning experiences. Students are prepared to move on and succeed in college or a career in the industry.

How can ProStart® students participating in Job Shadow Day help my business?

ProStart® students want to work in the industry. Many ProStart® students have their sanitation certificate and have been trained in customer service. Students have benefited from direct exposure to the industry through Job Shadows, Field Trips, Job Readiness Training, and Chef mentors/ demonstrations. Their daily program and curriculum at school, along with the added opportunities, has prepared students to be a part of a variety of elements to the food-service industry.

Sign up to Support Job Shadow Day in 2020!

Click here to sign up for this year's Job Shadow Day. 

What are the next steps once I sign up?

You will be contacted by the IRAEF with more information including a Work-site Partner Packet as well as information about the ProStart® students assigned to attend your operation for Job Shadow Day.

For more information, please contact Kari Kramer, ProStart® Manager at (312) 380-4147 or kkramer@illinoisrestaurants.org.