About The Works!
The Works! career exploration is a FREE program designed for high school students who are likely to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation. The Works! program offers opportunities for students to have hands-on experiences learning the different career opportunities our municipal system and utilities have to offer
Students must register through their Career or Guidance Counselor at their High School Primary consideration given to grades 11 and 12 with consideration for 10th grade students as space allows. This program is designed for students enrolled at Northwestern, South Pointe, Rock Hill, York Preparatory Academy, Riverwalk Academy, and Legion Collegiate Academy high schools Homeschool students in the City of Rock Hill should reach out to Human Resources with interest If space allows, students in the broader York County area may participate.
The City of Rock Hill will host students a few days each semester. Each day will offer opportunities for career exploration in various areas across the City
Public Safety Works! opportunities include Fire and Police Departments
City Works! opportunities include Electric and Water/Sewer utilities Departments, Public Works, Maintenance Departments, and Technology
Community Works! opportunities include our Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department as well as our Neighborhood Services Department
Students can attend each day as their school program and workload will allow Throughout each day, the City’s Human Resources department and other City employees will discuss with students different career paths and routes to achieve professional goals, in addition to social media etiquette and application processes.
Program days are from 9:30 AM to 3 PM. Students are responsible for their transportation to their assignment if school transportation is not provided Transportation will be provided throughout the day by City personnel if visiting different locations is a part of the career exploration experience. Lunch is provided. Participating students are asked to adhere to the suggested dress code for each track, which are provided in this catalog with the corresponding track
Students and Parents must sign a waiver to participate. Students who show up without a waiver will be sent back to school.
Catalog Index
Day 1: Wednesday, October 18, 2023
City
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Careers Track
Technology Track
Shaping Rock Hill's Future Track
Day 2: Thursday, October 19, 2023
Fire Track
City Works!
Water's Worth It Track
Day 3: Friday, October 20, 2023
Wednesday, October 18 Option 1
CDL Careers
CDL stands for Commercial Drivers License. A CDL is needed in careers where you’d be driving and operating large vehicles like semi-trucks or the City buses, recycling and refuse trucks, and pothole repair vehicles. This is a highly competitive field with work in both the public and private sectors. With this track, you’ll learn about careers that require a CDL and explore various CDL-vehicles and their functions
You might be interested in this track if:
You like driving and feel comfortable working with large equipment
You like being outside and/or don't want to work behind a desk
You don't mind getting a little dirty/dusty
You're good with a joystick
Featuring these departments: Office of Government Affairs (Transit division); Public Works
Maximum students: 8
9:30 - 10:10 AM
10:10 - 11:10 AM
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
12:10 - 12:55 PM
12:55 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Dress Code: outdoor weather-appropriate clothing that will be subject to soiling, including closed-toe shoes and long pants
Introduction & City Equipment
Overview of Public Works, Tour of Operations Center, Pothole Truck, Impact of Equipment on City Roadways, the Value of CDL Holders in the Stormwater and Construction Industries
Transit
Overview of Transit Division & Paratransit Operations, Tour of Electric Bus Fleet, What It's Like to Be a City Bus Driver
Sanitation
The Role & Need for Sanitation Within a Community, CDL-Operated Sanitation Equipment
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold.
Stormwater
Construction Industries at the College Downs Worksite, CDL Importance in Stormwater
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions.
Wednesday, October 18 Option 2
Technology
Everything we do has some link to technology, whether you use apps on your phone or connect to anything on your computer. This track will explore the fundamental workings of Technology in general. The City uses technology for everything: turning on your lights at home or getting a glass of water from your faucet, attending a sports tournament or event downtown, using online maps or managing traffic lights Tech is everywhere! Let the City’s ITS department show you how.
You might be interested in this track if:
You like playing video games or use computers and phones in your everyday life
You like taking apart and rebuilding computer systems or want to know how the internet works
You enjoy problem-solving and puzzles or learning the code to make someone on a computer actually work
You dig into things to see how they work and are connected
You consider yourself curious and tenacious
Featuring these departments: ITS
Maximum students: 6
9:30 - 11:00 AM
Introduction
Dress Code: business casual dress along with comfortable closed-toe shoes
Overview of IT and Its Importance, Basics to Imaging a PC, Tour of IT Operations, Building a Network through Connection and Switching
11:00 - 11:45 AM 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM
1:30 - 2:30 PM 2:30 - 3:00 PM
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold
Security, Software, & Careers
Establishing a Secure Posture, Software, Patching, Live Testing, Careers in IT
GIS
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions.
Wednesday, October 18 Option 3
Shaping Rock Hill's Future
This track focuses on how Rock Hill is shaped, from building and demolishing structures to building code enforcement and inspections. From the planning phase through the construction phase, large projects and smaller, the City is dedicated to ensuring that Rock Hill is safe to work, live, and play
You might be interested in this track if:
You enjoy being outside
You enjoy putting things together or taking them apart
You like to work with your hands
You have a sharp eye for detail
Featuring these departments: Planning & Development; Neighborhood Services
Maximum students: 6
9:30 - 9:35 AM
9:35 - 10:05 AM
10:05 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Introduction & Safety Discussion
Code Enforcement
Dress Code: business casual dress along with comfortable closed-toe shoes
Common Violations, Demolitions, Code Enforcement Process, REDI
In-Field Experience
Residential & Commercial Sites with Code Violations and Pending Demolitions
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold.
12:45 - 1:15 PM
Building Inspections & Engineering Technicians
Purpose and Process of Building Inspections, Tracking Quantities of Work and Adherence to Contract
1:15 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
In-Field Experience
Active Commercial Construction Sites and Streetscape Project Areas
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions
Thursday, October 19 Option 1
Fire
We all know and appreciate our wonderful City firefighters, but do you know all that it entails to be a firefighter? Or that they are certified EMTs, have to meet workout requirements, and maintain the firetrucks? It takes a lot to be a firefighter, and while it’s hard work, it can be rewarding as well.
You might be interested in this track if:
You like to be active or workout
You have a big heart and care for others
You enjoy meeting new people
You like working on a team
Featuring these departments: Fire
Maximum students: 15
9:30 - 9:45 AM
9:45 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 11:30 AM 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Introduction
Dress Code: outdoor weather-appropriate clothing that will be subject to soiling, including closed-toe shoes and long pants
Overview of the Fire Department, Safety Discussion
Medical Station
CPR, Stop the Bleed, Basic Bandaging
Firefighting Station
Fire Extinguishers, Search & Rescue Hose Maze, Hose Line Advancement for the Fire Attack
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold.
12:15 - 1:30 PM
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Rescue
Basic Knot Tying, Vehicle Extrication, Basic Aerial Ladder Rescue
Live Fire Demonstration
Firefighters will conduct this demonstration as if it's a real fire, including connecting to a hydrant, pull fire attack, lines off truck, enter building, and extinguish.
2:00 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Wrap-Up & Fire Q&A
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions.
Thursday, October 19 Option 2
Water's Worth It
This track focuses on environmental careers in treating water. The teams in these departments offer a variety of STEM occupations focused on monitoring, maintaining, operating, and repairing our water system efficiently. There is a heavy focus on protecting our water resources and a direct impact on Public Health. Join us on this track to explore all of the above!
You might be interested in this track if:
You like being outside and/or working with your hands
You like science (biology, chemistry)
You want to make a positive impact in the world around you
You like a good challenge and enjoy troubleshooting
Featuring these departments: Utilities - Water & Sewer
Maximum students: 10
9:30 - 10:20 AM
10:20 - 11:20 AM
11:20 AM - 12:35 PM
12:35 - 1:20 PM
Introduction & Safety Discussion
Overview of the Water & Sewer Department and the Day Ahead
Raw Water Intake
Overview of raw water intake process, why it's important, tour
Water Filter Plant
Overview of the water filter process, chlorine training, tour
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold
1:20 - 2:20 PM
2:20 - 3:00 PM
Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Overview of wastewater treatment, tour
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions
Friday, October 20 Police Option 1
We’ve all seen our dedicated RH Police Officers around town, but it takes more than just police officers to maintain public safety! There’s a whole team of hardworking people who work in and around a police station that each play a vital role. On this track, get a first-hand look at what it takes to be a police officer and what all goes on behind the scenes with the City’s law enforcement team of professionals
You might be interested in this track if:
You like working on a team
You've been called responsible and/or a role model
You tend to have high standards for yourself and others
You enjoy serving and helping people and your community
You enjoy being in a dynamic and everchanging environment
Featuring these departments: Police
Maximum students: 15
9:30 - 10:00 AM
10:00 - 11:45 AM
Introduction
Dress Code: outdoor weather-appropriate clothing that will be subject to soiling, including closed-toe shoes and long pants
Brief History, Overview of the Police Department, Safety Discussion
Exploration of Police Department Divisions & Culture
Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Technical Services Division, Professional Standards Division, Community Engagement Division, Culture & Lifestyle of Police Work
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold.
12:30 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Special Units
SWAT, Bomb Squad, Drone Team, and others
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions.
Friday, October 20 Option 2
Tourism & Hospitality
One of the City’s priorities that has seen the largest growth is tourism. This track will get you a front row seat to learn just what it takes to put on large scale events at the Sports & Event Center, including partnering with local restaurants and hotels.
You might be interested in this track if:
You like meeting new people
You enjoy serving and helping people
You are interested in sport management
You like planning and hosting events
The restaurant/hotel industry intrigues you
Featuring these departments: Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Maximum students: 6
9:30 - 10:00 AM
10:00 - 10:45 AM
10:45 - 11:30 AM
Introduction
Dress Code: business casual dress along with comfortable closed-toe shoes
Overview of PRT, Tourism Impact, Example of Past & Future Events
Role Playing an Event Rights-Holder
Plan an event, figure out your needs, discuss availability, ask questions
Touring, Booking, & Scheduling
Tour & Book the facility, complete the Rental Agreement & Payment Plan, Discuss Set-Up Options, Schedule Staff
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold.
12:15 - 2:00 PM
Hospitality featuring Visit York County
Partnership, Tour of Cambria Hotel, Old Town Kitchen & Cocktails, and the American Cornhole League
2:00 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Event Operations & Wrap-Up
Day-of Walkthrough, Set-Up Diagrams, Concession Stands, Maintenance
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions
Friday, October 20 Option 3
Behind the Scenes
On this track, you'll get to see behind the scenes of how the City is maintained and preserved, including some of our more high profile venues. The City is maintained in many ways, from repairs and landscaping of parks, athletic fields, facilities, and grounds, to ensuring that mechanical systems like HVAC and fleet vehicles are functioning properly and parking structures are orderly Everything that happens behind the scenes is vital to keeping Rock Hill beautiful and functioning properly.
You might be interested in this track if:
You enjoy being outside and/or landscaping
You enjoy working with machines like cars or lawn mowers
You work or attend sporting events
You like interacting with people
You are interested in sport management
Featuring these departments: General Services; Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT)
Maximum students: 8
9:30 - 9:45 AM
9:45 - 11:30 AM
11:30 - 11:40 AM
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM
12:30 - 1:15 PM
1:15 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
Dress Code: outdoor weather-appropriate clothing that will be subject to soiling, including closed-toe shoes and long pants
PRT Preservation & Maintenance Introduction
Introduction of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) staff, Overview and Responsibilities
BMX & Other Sports Venues
Maintaining high profile spaces
Facilities & Equipment Maintenance Introduction
Introduction of General Services staff, Overview and Responsibilities
Property Maintenance & Fleet Division
Electrical/HVAC/Mechanical Systems, Fleet Vehicles and Equipment, Diagnostics, tour
Lunch & Career Panel
Hear from various department team members about their career paths, how they got to where they are now, and what the future might hold.
Parking Technology & Facilities
Closing Remarks featuring Human Resources
A representative from the City's Human Resources team will share tips to starting your career path on the right foot, how to apply for a City job as a high schooler, and answer any lingering questions