STUDENTS
Whether you are seeking a career out of high school or wish to set yourself apart from the job competition after college or university, earning a Work Ethic Diploma is a major step in the right direction. The diploma distinction means you not only understand what it means to be employable, but have elected to demonstrate your knowledge of work ethic standards while in high school.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When you earn a total of 20/40 possible points in your senior year, a Work Ethic Diploma seal will be placed on your permanent high school diploma. The advantage? The seal serves as your ticket to a guaranteed job interview when partnering industries post a position in which you meet the qualifications.
Did you catch that? A guaranteed interview for an open position in which you are qualified to apply. This means if your resume is similar to that of another qualified applicant, you as a Work Ethic Diploma holder will be given preference for an interview.
GREAT. HOW DO I START?
Download the Work Ethic Diploma Flyer for Southeast Tennessee HERE.
- STEP 1 – SIGN & RETURN THIS WAIVER: Review, print and sign this confidentiality waiver form with your parents or legal guardians and return to your school district’s Career Coach or CTE Director. Not sure who that is? Do a quick search here.
- STEP 2 – START TRACKING POINTS: Request a Work Ethic Diploma tracking folder from your Career Coach/CTE Director. This will be how you track and verify your points. Remember, it is your responsibility to keep up with the folder. As you accumulate points, you must present documentation of points earned to your Career Coach/CTE Director.
- STEP 3 – CREATE YOUR ONLINE PROFILE: You must create an online profile so your Career Coach/CTE Director can add points to your account using your tracking folder. Once you have earned 20 points, you will receive an email confirmation and your name will be searchable to partnering industries who can verify your status as a Work Ethic Diploma holder. Employers will see your name and school district ONLY, not the categories by which you earned points. You will also receive a seal placed on your regular high school diploma upon graduation.
Tip: Not sure how to let employers know you have the TN Work Ethic Diploma when applying for a job online? Most online applications have a place where you can list any additional information about yourself, skills or special training. Do not hesitate to write your achievement of earning the Tennessee Work Ethic Diploma in any of those fields! Also, make sure it is listed on your professional resume!
