Bauska ‘shadows’ people from other cities too

Today, the traditional “Shadow Day” is taking place throughout Latvia and in our region. During the event, young people from the sixth grade onward become “shadows” of professionals in occupations that interest them, learn about the specifics and duties of their work, and find answers to other questions.

This year, eight young people have applied to “shadow” employees at the Bauska municipality, Artūrs Dulbe, a public relations specialist at the Bauska Municipality Council, told the portal. He revealed that the greatest interest was in the opportunities to “shadow” municipal police officers. Six “shadows” chose to follow the work of the head of the municipal police and his subordinates. A ninth-grade student from Salaspils Secondary School applied to shadow the head of the Municipal Services Department, while a student from Bauska State Gymnasium will today become a “shadow” in the Development and Planning Department.

The Bauska Cultural Centre (BKC) will also welcome “shadows” today. Two “shadows” from Jelgava Spīdola Gymnasium will shadow the cultural centre’s event producer, while one “shadow” from Iecava Secondary School will shadow the deputy director of the cultural centre for cultural affairs, BKC representative Ilze Lujāne told the portal.

The “Shadow Day” activity is organised by the business education organisation Junior Achievement–Young Enterprise Latvia. The organisation stated that this year’s aim of “Shadow Day” is to reveal the diversity of occupations in various companies, encouraging young people to look at things more broadly and explore the wider context.

During “Shadow Day”, students are expected to learn about the skills and knowledge required by specific professionals to build successful careers, as well as discover the wide range of opportunities offered by professional knowledge.

Last year, 1,542 shadow providers took part in “Shadow Day” throughout the country, offering a total of 8,044 opportunities, 17% more than in 2017.

A total of 49,000 registered shadows applied for the available opportunities. The most sought-after occupations were programmer—with 294 applications, doctor—with 274, radio announcer—with 255, and aircraft cabin crew member—with 204 applications. Meanwhile, the occupations most frequently offered by shadow providers were public relations specialist—with 162 opportunities, project manager/director—with 124 opportunities, and firefighter/rescuer—with 118 opportunities.