BY KARISSA MILLER

Nearly 100 businesses, organizations and service providers were on hand to assist student job seekers during Wednesday’s Iredell-Statesville Schools Career Fair.

The event was presented by the I-SS Career Technical Education Department along with community partners, including the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell Community College and Iredell County Economic Development Corporation.

The all-day event at the Statesville Civic Center was open to all public, private, virtual and homeschooled seniors in the county. More than 350 students attended the morning session.

“This is an important event because we are showcasing our apprenticeship partners and students have opportunities to set up employment right after high school or for college students who want to work in the summer,” said Todd Williams, I-SS director of Industry, Trade and Business Development.

A diverse pool of potential employers from health care agencies to land surveying, and advanced manufacturing to family-owned businesses and finance participated.

Some employers were prepared to make on-the-spot job offers, Williams said. It was also an opportunity for students to learn what local employers are looking for in applicants.

North Iredell High School senior Brandon Hernandez came with his resume in hand.

“I wanted to see what’s out there and what I could do after I graduated,” he explained.

Hernandez said he enjoyed speaking to blueharbor bank, a community bank based in Mooresville. He’s planning to attending college and pursue a career in finance.

Thom Kincaid, a vice president at blueharbor, said that community banking is a rewarding career that is focused on building relationships in the community.

“Someone had to be a mentor for us and we want to be a mentor for them,” added Assistant Vice President Lisa Riddle.

Edison Flores, a senior and state wrestling champion at North Iredell High, also attended the career fair. He has not decided where he will attend college, but he knows that wrestling will be a part of his future.

“It’s good to know that some businesses will hire you and work with your schedule,” Flores said.

The Fiber Optics Solutions booth appealed to him because they could hire him out of high school and work with him so he can continue to train in the summer months.

The company is in Statesville and looks for workers who can lift, push or pull at least 70 pounds. The starting pay is $18 an hour, and the company offers training and advancement opportunities.

Southern Distilling Company was also on hand to tell students about employment opportunities for workers over the age of 18.

Director of Strategy Tamara Roach explained that a lot of students don’t realize that there is a lot of Chemistry and math involved in their business. They also have Human Resources and other positions that students may not think about.

Cheney Brothers Operations Recruiter Chance Siebieda said the 100-year-old, family-owned food service distributor has numerous opportunities for employment and growth in Statesville.

Organizers explained that local businesses are willing to train students without a college diploma.

These are stable businesses that allow students to find work in their community, Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce President Shannon Viera said

Debra Lester said the students’ response to the Career Fair was tremendous. She’s excited about the impact the event could have.

“My favorite part has been watching the students light up — I have liked seeing the sheer excitement they have from meeting with potential employers,” Lester said.

Some students may use the event to build relationships and network, which might lead them to their next job or career after they graduate.

Organizers tracked each student’s experience through a QR code and their email. Students who complete their paperwork will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of Apple iPods, courtesy of Iredell Economic Development Corporation.

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