Press release/provided photos
Over 750 local high school students had the opportunity to explore their career options at the College and Career Fair held at the Mount Morris Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center. The fair included military branches, colleges, unions, and local businesses with over 60 tables for students to visit. Students in grades 8 through 12 that are enrolled in BOCES programs attended the event to learn more about future career opportunities.
“Our annual College & Career Fair provides students with the opportunity to make connections with military branches, colleges, unions, and businesses in our communities. Students engage in professional conversations about their interests and consider different pathways for their future. Students are able to learn about employment opportunities they haven’t considered before with businesses they may not be familiar with. There is excitement in learning about potential careers in the industries they are passionate about and it increases their motivation to dedicate themselves to the career paths they are seeking,” explained Michelle Caton, Coordinator of Student Services, at Mount Morris CTE Center.
Some of the representatives that attended the job fair included Electrical Union Local 86, U of R NOYES, Milton CAT, Alfred State College, Barilla America, NY Air National Guard, Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning, Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Sabin Metal Corporation, NYS DEC, SUNY Cobleskill, and West Wildlife LLC. The companies represented a diverse range of industries including military, criminal justice, manufacturing, food production, medical, and construction.
“I just love seeing the kids and working with them. I love their inquisitiveness and engaging with them. I want to educate our youth on the different trades that are out there. We struggle finding maintenance technicians to fix the machines we have and when speaking with the students I let them know the skill set we are looking for. We also have entry level positions but it’s the trade skills we struggle to fill, said Lori Farley, Recruitment and Retention Specialist at Barilla America. Farley attends a few events with BOCES each year including GLOW with your hands.
During the event, students had the chance to speak with representatives from various companies and learn what they are looking for. Each business had a table set up, and students went from hallway to hallway learning about different fields. Students had the chance to talk to a variety of companies with the comfort of being surrounded by their teachers and peers. Hosting a College and Career Fair at the school allows students who wouldn’t normally go to these events to succeed at speaking to future employers.
“I thought that the students were very engaged this year. It was exciting to see so many students engaging with so many of the representatives. Some of our students have appointments with some of the vendors for interviews already. After the fair was over, the vendors in my area were surprised and excited that our students spent time listening and asking questions. Some of them said this was the best show that they have had because of the interaction,” explained Keith Standera, Building Trades Instructor, at Mount Morris CTE Center.
Mount Morris CTE Center offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for careers in various fields, including Criminal Justice, Health Care, Cosmetology, Animal Science, Metal Trades and Culinary Arts. The job fair provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect with potential employers and a chance to learn more about college programs.
Sylvia Kostraba, a Junior at Avon Central Schools, is currently enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Mount Morris CTE Center. “I was looking for information about owning and running a business. I want to do something with my cosmetology license and I want to own my own cosmetic brand or salon,” stated Sylvia. Sylvia was able to speak to different colleges that have entrepreneurship programs and learn more about making her career goals a reality.
Pearl Walker, Wayland-Cohocton Central Schools, is a Junior in the Human Services program and already knows what she would like to do after graduation. She is planning to take a gap year to work as a teacher’s aide and then go into college for primary education. “My favorite part of the College and Career fair is seeing all the different options that we have and how many different doors there are for us to go through if that’s what we choose,” said Pearl.