Job Readiness at State 4-H Roundup

4-H’ers gain the life skills needed to be contributing members to our communities. One skill we strive to develop in 4-H’ers is Job Readiness. Job readiness is a set of skills and behaviors needed for any job you may be interested in. These are often referred to as soft skills and include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, work ethic and time management. The 4-H Job Readiness Contest gives 4-H’ers the opportunity to practice these skills in the format of applying for a job.

Contest Details

In the Job Readiness Contest, you will apply for a job in the fictional business of Clover Industries. While the job is fictional, it is expected that you use your real-life credentials when filling out the application and creating your resume and cover letter. Judges will evaluate their cover letter, resume, and application prior to Roundup. During Roundup, all contestants will participate in an interview with a panel of judges.

• Pre-Round Up Requirements

  Participants must complete the application and upload their cover letter and resume by Monday, July 6. These items must be completed on Jot Form. Job Readiness Form

  The submitted resume, cover letter and application will be evaluated by the judges. Youth selected for an interview will be contacted by phone on Monday, July 20, to schedule their interview for Thursday, July 23, during Roundup. If you are unable to answer at that time, a message will be left, and a return phone call will be expected.

• Round Up Contest

  Those selected to interview will take part in a 15-minute interview during the 4-H Roundup on Thursday, July 23. After the interview, participants should write a follow-up email and send it to sara.randolph@okstate.edu. The purpose of the follow-up email is to reinforce your interest in the job and thank the interviewers for their time and consideration.

  Intermediate division participants may choose to apply for Nutrition Shake Shop Serve or Beekeeper Assistant.

  Senior division participants may choose to apply for Day Care Assistant, Nutrition Shake Shop Server, Vet Assistant and Beekeeper Assistant.

• Participant Checklist

  Select Job Readiness Contest for Thursday activity on Roundup registration.

  Go to the Job Readiness Form-Jot Form and

  • Fill out registration information and job application
  • Upload cover letter
  • Upload resume

  For Interview:

  • Be prepared to take a phone call on Monday, July 20, at the phone number listed on your application. The call is likely to come from (704) 451-1382. A message will be left if you are unavailable to answer at that time.
  • Send follow up letter to sara.randolph@okstate.edu immediately following your interview.
• Contest Resources
  • Job Readiness Handbook
  • Job Readiness Scoresheet

Contest Job Descriptions

• Day Care Assistant

  Senior Division Only

  Cloverbud Kids is a premier child care facility that cares for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. We have 8 classrooms, each with lead teachers, assistant teachers, and day care assistants, to provide a safe and fun environment for children to learn and grow.

  Basic Job Requirements:

  • Experience working with children is preferred but not required
  • This job requires the ability to lift up to 55 pounds and frequent standing, walking, bending and kneeling
  • Effective communicator with both parents and children
  • Must exercise patience and good judgment

  Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the classroom teachers with implementing the educational program
  • Monitor safety and manage the behavior of children in the classroom, bus and playground
  • Assist children during meals
  • Help set up the learning environment for activities

  Pay: $10.00/hour

• Vet Assistant

  Senior Division Only

  You care about your horses, and so do we. At OSU Equine Hospital, we provide high-quality services you can depend on, whether it’s related to performance issues, joint injections, rehab recommendations, or general horse welfare. Our veterinarians have decades of experience working with horses, bringing a depth of knowledge to patient care. When you work with us, you can expect professionals committed to providing the best possible care. We see each case through, start to finish, and promise you won’t find a team that will work harder to provide the services you need.

  Basic Job Requirements:

  • Basic knowledge of horsemanship
  • The ability to work as a team
  • Maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment
  • Possess good people skills

  Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with equine reproduction, surgery, sports medicine, internal medicine, and imaging
  • Prepare the horse for the veterinarian (cleaning off the wound, injection site, etc.)
  • Administer medications as needed (oral, topical, injection) to incoming and in-house patients
  • Prepare and sterilize the work area before and after each patient
  • Feeding and medication schedule for in-house patients

  Pay: $12.00/hour

• Nutrition Shake Shop Server

  For Intermediate and Senior Divisions

  Clover Nutrition offers tasty, nutritious shakes in a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

  Basic Job Requirements:

  • Willing to follow recipes and instructions
  • Social media experience preferred, but not required
  • Positive attitude

  Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Create shakes using the provided recipes
  • Post on social media as part of our marketing strategy
  • Properly wash equipment and store ingredients
  • Keep the shop clean and inviting to customers

  Pay: $12.00/hour

• Beekeeper Assistant

  For Intermediate and Senior Divisions

  Clover Farms Apiary is dedicated to supporting healthy pollinators and producing high‑quality honey. Our beekeeping team values safety, calm handling and respect for the bees under our care. Every bottle of honey represents careful work, consistent management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. When you visit our apiary, you’ll meet individuals passionate about education, pollinators, and responsible beekeeping.

  Basic Job Requirements:

  • Comfortable working around bees and honey extraction equipment
  • Ability to stay calm and follow safety procedures
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Maintain cleanliness in the extraction and bottling areas

  Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Bottling, capping and labeling honey jars
  • Cleaning and sanitizing extraction tools and work surfaces
  • Organizing equipment, frames and storage areas
  • Assisting with preparation for demonstrations or educational events
  • Recording weights, batch numbers and simple inventory notes
  • Supporting supervised hive inspections by providing tools and recording observations

  Pay: $12.00/hour