WFO Lubbock Participates in Groundhog Job Shadow Day By Brian LaMarre Warning Coordination Meteorologist and Steve Cobb Science and Operations Officer WFO Lubbock, TX

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In phase with the National Job Shadowing Day campaign, WFO Lubbock partnered with the South Plains College Tech Prep program to participate in a local Groundhog Job Shadow Day on Thursday, February 1, 2007.

The Tech Prep program is designed to prepare regional high school students for higher education and entry into the workforce – over 1,500 students from across West Texas participated in this year’s program! Every February, on or near Groundhog Day, these high school juniors are challenged to “try on” an occupation by shadowing a local business professional and questioning whether their talents and abilities would be a good fit for a job.

As an introduction to National Weather Service (NWS) operations, Brian provided a presentation on the overall functions of the NWS and what it takes to become a meteorologist. Steve coached Chase in the actual process NWS forecasters use to develop weather forecasts using the AWIPS Graphical Forecast Editor followed by a review of the NOAA Weather Radio – All Hazards warning system, and an overall snapshot of what it’s like to be an NWS meteorologist!

To further fuel Chase’s expressed interest in severe weather, Brian and Chase discussed thunderstorm development and tornado frequency in the WFO Lubbock conference room using an interactive Smart Board for presentations.