BY KARISSA MILLER
High school seniors can learn more about a variety of careers available in Iredell County and how to earn industry credentials or an associate degree while they work during an upcoming career fair.
Iredell-Statesville Schools’ Career Technical Education Student Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 22. Iredell Economic Development Corporation and the Statesville Chamber of Commerce are partnering with I-SS for the event.
The career fair, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., will be held at the Statesville Civic Center. The event is open to all public, private, virtual and homeschooled seniors in the county.
Around 70 participating businesses will share information about career opportunities. Some will hold on-the-spot interviews.
“Students are asked to look professional — dress the part — and come with their resumes in hand. These employers are ready to put them to work when they graduate in June,” said Todd Williams, I-SS director of Industry, Trade and Business Development.
Applicants can potentially be hired on-the-spot after going through the proper process, Williams said. It’s also important for students to keep in mind what employers are looking for in applicants.
“They are looking for someone who will show up for work, show up on time, put away their cell phones, get along with others and pass a drug test. If you can do those five things, you are hired,” Williams said. “Many of these companies have opportunities for advancement.”
One common misconception among students is that they don’t need to attend the career fair because they are going to college.
“They might not go to work immediately, but eventually everyone has to go to work. What we want them to know is there are good jobs here in Iredell County. They can come and learn about these wonderful opportunities,” Williams said.
The event will also show students that they don’t have to leave the county to find a high-paying job or career.
I-SS will provide bus transportation for students. The event is also open to parents. Students are asked to pre-register at their respective schools for the event by March 20.
Business partners who would like to be a part of the event should email todd.williams@iss.k12.nc.us and register by March 13.
Williams said that there have been many success stories from last year’s event. One example is the Iredell Apprenticeship program, where students can work as Piedmont HealthCare employees while earning their college degree. Williams said there were also many students that day that were hired on the spot by a variety of employers.
“I’m very appreciative to the employers who are participating in our event. At the end of the day, we are trying to get people into jobs and careers,” Williams said. “These kids are our future workforce.”
Students who visit five employers and complete other signup requirements will be entered into a giveaway for a pair of AirPods (Third Generation), which will be donated by Iredell Economic Development Corporation.
Employers at the event range from healthcare, welding, construction, local government and many more.
Participating Employers
