Fair Will Introduce Students To Local Career Choices

"There are so many amazing opportunities right in our backyard," said Jared Erb, First Choice Career Coordinator with Pequea Valley School District. "But unless you get out and see them, it's hard to grasp."

Erb aims to introduce Pequea Valley High School students to the many local career opportunities available to them at the Pequea Valley First Choice Career Fair to be held at the school on Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Students in ninth through 12th grades will each have about an hour to attend. Students will hear a motivational speaker, have time to visit displays, and talk with representatives of up to 50 community partners, including businesses, secondary learning institutions, and other organizations.

"Each grade level ... will hear about career opportunities and how to make the most of those in this day and age," said Erb, who noted that the goals for students will vary by grade. "Ninth-graders will hear stories from our community and learn about opportunities to gain career exposure," said Erb. Tenth-graders, who have been taking part in a mentoring program, will hear more from mentors about their specific jobs in the context of their employers. "(Sophomores) are looking forward to a job shadowing day in March," said Erb, who added that juniors will be scouting for internship opportunities in their senior years. "Seniors will be looking for employment opportunities and understanding their next steps beyond graduation," pointed out Erb.

Erb has been recruiting companies to take part in the fair, paying special attention to industry clusters that have greater needs. "We are pretty heavy in food service, and we have a number of construction companies," said Erb, who listed Luthercare, Stoltzfus Meats, High Industries, and Sharp Innovations, which does website design and marketing, among those lined up to attend. In addition, representatives of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology; HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College; Lancaster Bible College; and the Army National Guard will be present.

"It's a chance for our kids to introduce themselves and tell their stories in a professional manner," noted Erb, who explained that students will be prepared to name their top career choice, explain why they are interested in that field, and discuss what strengths they bring to that area. "There are lots of opportunities for those who are hungry and able to present themselves well," said Erb. "We are trying to connect students to those opportunities."

Community organizations that would like to take part in the career fair may email jared_erb@pequeavalley.org.