Jefferson County ESC

Career Fair Gives Options for Future

WINTERSVILLE-Area students learned about options for their future during the second-annual County-wide Career and Education Fair on Wednesday. About 500 students converged upon the St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville for the activity, which was hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee. There they met with about 85 vendors representing colleges and universities, technical schools, military recruiters, safety forces, trade organizations and local businesses to speak with representatives and obtain information on programs and opportunities to carve their career paths, plus they participated in roundtable sessions with experts to discuss subjects from finances to job qualifications. Chamber President Kate Sedgmer said numbers were up regarding vendor involvement and it provided a wide range of choices for students’ consideration. She noted that the fair was a means to showcase what’s available in the area and hopefully inspire students to build their futures at home in the Ohio Valley. “We had an exciting day and about 500 students came along with 85 vendors,” Sedgmer added. “There colleges and universities, military recruiters, trades and local employers and there was a roundtable discussion so students have opportunities to sit down with local employers and representatives of trades, finances and entrepreneurships. We’ve grown since last year and would like to see it become a regional event.” She also thanked the fair’s sponsors for their support, saying they help keep kids working locally in the future. Jefferson County Educational Service Center Superintendent Dr. Chuck Kokiko, who serves as the workforce training and education committee chairman, said it was another successful venture and would likely continue each year. “It went well. We’ve got an increase in vendors participating and the program has grown,” Dr. Kokiko commented. “Our goal for next year is to continue growing the program and getting more students to come.” Several vendors said they enjoyed meeting the teens and sharing opportunities to build their future. “It went very well,” said Katie Parrish, admissions counselor at Franciscan University of Steubenville. “The kids have been very receptive.” “It’s been great to see the faces of the kids and see how we as representatives of Franciscan University can interest them in coming to Franciscan,” added fellow admissions counselor Natalia Caraballo. They said plenty of interest was shown in education, nursing and business administration programs, while similar interest was also found at the Wheeling University table where admissions representative Cameron Gibson was queried about courses. “It’s been phenomenal,” said Gibson. “We’ve had a couple interested in exercise science and athletic training since those are our most popular fields. A lot of them were definitely interested in those.” Vinny DiCarlantonio, human resources coordinator for Trinity Health System, was also pleased with the response. “It’s been really good,” he commented. “They are interested in many of our departments and there were several queries about labor and delivery, radiology and healthcare tech management.” SSGT E-5 Nicole Baker, a recruiter for the U.S. Air National Guard, also highlighted options to join the military while also paying for schooling. “I had questions about boot camp and what’s involved and what jobs are available, but a lot of people are shocked that we pay 100 percent of their tuition,” she added. Teens also had a chance to partake in a scavenger hunt to win iPads and laptops during the event. Students from Bridgeport, Brooke, Buckeye Local, Steubenville Catholic Central, Edison, Harrison Central, Indian Creek, Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ School of Bright Promise, Jefferson County Christian School, Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Steubenville, Toronto and Southern Local were among those in attendance. Many enjoyed the career fair and said they learned a lot about what opportunities are available to them. “Everyone was very professional and I thought it was very useful,” said Ron Hawthorne, a senior computer networking technology student at Jefferson County JVS and Indian Creek attendant, adding that he was interested in programs at Eastern Gateway Community College. “I liked the AEP program,” added Kevin Campos, a senior multimedia and design student at the JVS and ICHS. “I found it interesting, and I also liked The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University. They gave options and explained things to me.” Kyleigh Haines, a junior animal science management pupil at the JVS and Buckeye Local student, said she enjoyed the Hocking College program and the opportunities that were shared with her. Trinity Spencer, a fellow junior animal science student at JVS and Edison attendant, agreed. “I like that you were able to find out about careers and learn about different colleges,” Spencer said, noting her interest in Kent State University’s vet tech program. “It was fun,” said Shelley Young, a junior culinary arts student at JVS and ICHS attendant. “I got to see what courses there were to find out what I need.” Sponsors included Summer’s Enterprise, LLC, Interstate Waste Services, Inc., Eastern Gateway Community College, Timet- Titanium Metals Corp., Trinity Health System, Allegheny County Airport Authority and Hilscher-Clarke Electric Co. (Photo Caption: About 500 students converged upon St. Florian Event Center Wednesday for the second-annual County-wide Career and Education Fair hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Training and Education Committee. There the students meet with 85 vendors representing colleges and universities, technical schools, trade organizations, businesses, safety forces and military recruitment to learn about options for their future.)

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