The Putnam County School District took a bold step toward preparing students for the workforce by collaborating with local business partner, Bates,Hewett, and Floyd Insurance to provide OSHA 10 certification to over 100 students at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School, and Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School.
Started last year, this initiative reflects a growing emphasis on career and technical education (CTE), giving students real-world skills that increase their employability and safety awareness. By offering the OSHA 10 certification — a nationally recognized credential from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration — students gain essential training in workplace safety and health hazards.
This program is the result of strong partnerships between the district and local industries. When approached last year about offering the certification, Jini Robbins of Bates, Hewett, and Floyd quickly reached out to one of their providers, Summit Holdings who eagerly agreed to come and train a group of students. This year the training grew and expanded from around 40 students bussed to one school to around 111 students being trained at three separate campuses by Calvin McKinley of Summit Holdings. Pulling a full time employee away from his regular workspace for 6 days is a huge commitment, but one these companies are willing to do. As Robbins said, “We are honored to support the students of Putnam County. It’s a privilege we don’t take lightly–to be entrusted with helping these young individuals grow not only in knowledge, but in their understanding of safety and responsibility in the workforce. By instilling these values now, we’re not just preparing students to be workforce ready–we’re investing in a safer, smarter, and more prepared generation of workers.”
For two days at each campus, McKinley shared his depth of knowledge and his experiences through his job with Summit as a Loss Prevention Manager and OSHA 10 Certified Trainer. He was able to bring much of the knowledge they have been learning in their CTE courses into a “real” life perspective. Students learned about OSHA standards and saw real world examples of “what not to do” in a myriad of situations and circumstances. They also learned how to advocate for themselves as workers and the rights they have to a safe workplace and environment.
Superintendent Rick Surrency praised the effort, saying, “We are committed to ensuring our students graduate not only with a diploma but also with the skills and certifications that prepare them for life after high school. Our partnership with local businesses is a great example of what we can achieve when we work together to support student success.”
The Value of OSHA 10 Certification
OSHA 10 certification is a foundational safety program that covers essential topics like fall protection, electrical safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, and more. For high school students, earning this credential signals to employers that they have basic knowledge of workplace safety and are serious about their careers.
Having OSHA 10 on a resume can:
Set students apart from other job applicants, especially in entry-level roles in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and more.
Open doors to internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities that require safety training.
Enhance students' confidence and readiness for the workplace, giving them a head start in competitive job markets.
Show a commitment to responsibility and professionalism, qualities valued by every employer.