.jpg)
Wlaf1450By Charlotte Underwood
JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County High School students had the opportunity to meet firsthand with more than 55 career representatives at Tuesday’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Fair which was held in the high school gym from 8 am till noon. More Career opportunities in law enforcement and military also had booths set up outside on school grounds.
TOP PHOTO: More than 55 vendors had career booths set up at Tuesday’s Career Fair at CCHS. Students from seniors on down to Freshman got to visit with employers and secondary education representatives to talk about what “comes after high school.”
A multitude of career opportunities were represented, from banking to cosmetology, military and law enforcement to electrical, construction, Healthcare and everything in between!. Multiple secondary education opportunities were also represented with local community colleges like Roane State and South College, along with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jacksboro.
The high school has been hosting these career fairs in the spring each year for more than two decades.
According to County Mayor Jack Lynch, this is the biggest career fair he has seen at the high school, and he believes that’s due to “community involvement.”
Dewayne Baird (left) and David Hickman, both Campbell High graduates, represented the banking industry at Tuesday’s career fair at CCHS.
“We had these when I taught here, but this is the biggest I have seen. A lot of people in the county are taking part in this, and it opens up opportunities to these kids that they otherwise wouldn’t know about. We have the Air Force Academy here today, as well as representatives from Congressmen Chuck Fleischmann’s office; these are lifetime opportunities. The first step is the kids have to know it’s available, second, that it’s attainable,” Lynch said.
One of the highlights of the career fair was a military Black Hawk helicopter, which was secured through efforts of Campbell County’s Veterans Affairs Director Shane Prater and was a big draw to students.
Freshman through seniors experienced the career fair, with seniors going first in the day.
According to CCHS CTE Director Traci Chambers, the CTE Fair is an important experience for high school students to see what opportunities exist in their own community.
From Banking to Health Care, Tuesday’s career fair at CCHS showcased over 55 local vendors with career information booths set up for students to learn more about future opportunities.
She also said the event couldn’t be possible without Gear Up Director Monica Bane, CTE Coach Josh Parker and Cosmetology instructor Connie Crutchfield, as well as the community.
“They did an amazing job putting together our biggest CTE fair yet,” Chambers said.
Campbell County High School CTE Coach Josh Parker said the event was the biggest to date and that it could not happen without community support and support from the school and administration and students.
More than 55 vendors had career booths set up at Tuesday’s Career Fair at CCHS. Students from seniors on down to Freshman got to visit with employers and secondary education representatives to talk about what “comes after high school.”
“We’re so thankful for Monica Bane and Gear Up for helping us. There are a lot of moving parts to this and a lot of behind-the-scenes work. The JROTC students and lots of other students help with the set up and tear down, it’s a lot of hard work and we’re grateful for all the help and the community partners,” Parker said.
All that hard work pays off when he sees students “interacting with potential employers.”
“Seeing the kids interact with these career specialists and potential employers, that’s what it’s about, that’s what makes it worth it. Maybe they are talking to someone who will change their life,” Parker said.
The military had a strong presence at the CTE Career Fair held at CCHS on Tuesday. Multiple branches of the military had recruiters on site to discuss career opportunities with students.
Gear Up Director Monica Bane is no stranger when it comes to career fairs and has been participating in these for the last 10 to 12 years and taking a more active role over the past couple of years through Gear Up.
“These events help our students know what’s out there after high school. With the support of the community coming out and setting up these career booths, it engages the students firsthand, and the kids get to actually see what jobs and education opportunities are out there,” Bane said.
She said the community had been “phenomenal” in its support of the yearly CTE Fair and that it continues to grow each year.
“I want to say thank you to all of our community partners and leaders who help with this; the chamber is wonderful with their support, as are so many others. Also, a special shout out to VA Director Shane Prater who worked tirelessly to bring the helicopter. We have had so many people reach out to be a part of this event; I can’t say enough about our community partners, and I can’t thank them enough,” Bane said.
Campbell County High School Principal Ben Foust said career fairs such as this “provide opportunities for the students that are right here within their own community, while also showing them what is out there as well.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/24/2024-6AM)