On Wednesday, April 2, Park High School in Cottage Grove hosted a highly successful Career Fair, connecting more than 1,000 students with 32 employers, educational institutions and community resource providers. The event offered a valuable opportunity for students to explore career pathways, engage with industry professionals and learn about a wide range of post-secondary opportunities and the many options available as they plan for their future.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was engaging with students who were unfamiliar with CareerForce and its mission. For many students, this was their first introduction to CareerForce and the array of services, programs, workshops, and resources available to support their career journeys," said Vivien Fowler, Career Services Specialist with Leading CareerForce Partner Washington County Community Services. "Through meaningful conversations, we had the opportunity to open doors and introduce students to pathways to employment, training programs and essential workforce development tools."
In addition to sparking student interest, the career fair served as a valuable networking opportunity for community organizations to share information about job opportunities, internships and training programs. The strong turnout and high energy at the event underscored the vital impact career fairs have in bridging the gap between education and employment, empowering students with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in their future careers.
Later this month, Vivien will welcome several dozen ESL and high school students to the CareerForce in Cottage Grove. The visit will include an overview of CareerForce services, programs, workshops and employment resources. The two-hour visit will also include a Q&A session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and explore their options and pathways in today’s workforce.
This event is just one example of the many partnerships between Leading CareerForce Partners and schools across Minnesota. If you are interested in learning how CareerForce can support young people in exploring careers and securing employment, reach out to staff at a CareerForce location near you.
