The JDA held its monthly meeting November 30 at the Rugby JDA Office and reviewed a program aimed at teaching high school students job interview skills.

Executive Director Liz Heisey introduced Travis Fritel, Rugby High School teacher, who has been working with FFA Students on learning job interviewing skills. The JDA partnered with Rugby High School for “Project Interview.” The JDA approved $750 for the project. Mr. Fritel’s students provided feedback on the experience at the meeting.

Fritel, has been coordinating the Rugby High School students on the skills training. The JDA sponsored the training of four FFA students; Hailey Schmaltz, Katherine Fuller, Christine Vetsch, and Katie Lindstrom. Each student participated with one local employer in a mock job interview at a local restaurant.

Hailey Schmaltz , one of the participating students said, “I was wondering, what do I have in common with adults?” She said, “The interview showed me a beneficial way of establishing a connection with an adult.”

The course on “soft skills” was conducted as an interview, set up over lunch and sponsored by the JDA, to teach students soft skills for learning how to be interviewed for a potential job. All the students felt the program was very helpful for them in the future, even though they questioned when the process began.

“The interview process was very beneficial to reduce anxiety, and make me feel closer to the community,” said Katie Lindstrom. All that participated said they would do it again and encouraged others to participate because “It will give us an advantage in interviewing in the future so we can find a job”.

“This gives our Rugby students a chance to learn how to prepare for future interviews. Its important to learn to be comfortable in the process,” said Terry Wentz, board member.

“These students will be applying for positions during the summer and before entering college,” said Heisey. “This will give them a competitive advantage.”

One of the students interviewed with Steve Mueller from Nodak Insurance, and was impressed with his interview questions and his sincere interest in establishing communication with her. “He was easy to connect with,” she said.

In other JDA business, Heisey announced that three people with student loans had applied for the Student Loan monthly assistance that the JDA has agreed to pay monthly payments of $125.00. The recipients are employed locally in Pierce County and will have the amount applied to their student loans for two years. The amount does not need to be paid back.

The next What’s On Your Mind meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec 12 at 7 p.m. in the Armory.