by Audrey Thomasson
Northumberland High School students looking for their first part-time job, career opportunity or who wanted more information about potential career pathways got the opportunity last week at a career fair featuring over two dozen businesses.
Architecture and construction, agriculture and natural resources, science and engineering, education and training, business and finance, manufacturing, and hospitality and tourism were among the careers offered to students visiting company sponsored booths in the high school gym.
Graduating seniors got the first shot at job opportunities, but the event also was open to all high school students.
The Spring Career Fair was organized by career and technical education (CTE) director Teresa Simpson in collaboration with the CTE advisory council.
“It was an opportunity for our students to learn of different career fields and pathways in our Northern Neck,” Simpson said.
Additionally, students who do not intend to go to college were able to apply with several area companies that offered entry-level employment, on-the-job-training and competitive salaries, she said.
“Apprenticeships are available through the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and representatives were available to explain these to students.
Commonwealth Public Broadcasting (WCVE) from Richmond and Two Rivers Communication provided a wealth of information for those interested in the arts/communication career cluster.
“Criminal justice was represented by the Northumberland Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police and Haynesville Correctional Center. Vincent Haynie offered his expertise on building from his business, Ingram Bay Homes. Phillip Keyser talked about surveying and how GPSs and even drones are used in this field today,” she added.
Job opportunities included the field of finance with EVB and Essex banks and government service by Northumberland County Circuit Court Clerk Deborah Bingham.
Participants also included Potomac Supply LLC, U.S. Army, Advanced Technology Institute, Carry On Trailer, Virginia Extension Office, U.S. Agency for International Development, Northern Neck Planning District Commission and Northumberland County Emergency Services.
Also, Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital and Rappahannock Community College, University of Mary Washington Small Business Development Office, Northern Neck Images, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA Farm Service Agency.
