H-D/CAL hosts career fair

Hampton-Dumont/CAL High School hosted a career fair for students on Wednesday, October 27.

Local businesses, area colleges, and military recruiters lined up in the high school gymnasium to introduce themselves to perspective new employees, students, or recruits.

The job fair was originally planned for last year but March of 2020 turned out to be a poor time for large gatherings. The COVID-19 pandemic closed schools just days before the job fair was supposed to happen.

A year and a half later, the school gave it another go and reorganized the event.

"We just hit the reset button," said guidance counselor Cynthia Krull.

Organizing with NIACC, the Chamber of Commerce, Mission Possible, and Franklin County Development, the school arranged to have 19 businesses, 23 schools, and four military recruiters attend the career fair.

"They were all very willing to come," said Franklin County Economic Development Director Mary Amsbaugh. "It's nice that they came to meet with the students."

"This is a great opportunity for the students to see what's out there for them after they graduate," said Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Newton Grotzinger.

The entire school, from freshmen to seniors, got their chance to tour the career fair. BINGO cards were used to encourage students to visit multiple tables and those that filled them out got a chance at some prizes once their time was up.

Before the career fair, the students were given a crash course in business etiquette to make sure they knew how to interact with prospective employers.

While the businesses attending the career fair aren't really in the market for recruits out of the freshmen class, it was decided that students still a few years away from graduation would benefit from the experience and exposure to what businesses operate in the area. Many students aren't aware of what businesses are operating in the area or what it is they do.

"I think it's good. There's a lot of places you can go to and get information about jobs you can get," said Zoe Erdman, a sophomore who is looking at a career in education. "You get a lot of variety. It was a great experience."

"Even though that seems very far away from them, we hope there's still value in it," said Krull.

Along with benefiting the students, the career fair was a welcome opportunity for businesses to reach out to potential new employees. Particularly with labor shortages impacting businesses around the area.

"We had some kids come through with some pretty decent questions," said Kyle Donenwerth of Creative Cabinets out of Sheffield. "If they're interested in us we're happy to talk with them."

"It's a great way to connect with the kids in the community," said Wade Nelson of Mort's Water Company out of Latimer. "It's good to get this information to future potential workers."

Mort's Water Company and Mort's Plumbing and Heating are looking for summer apprenticeships for potential new employees looking to enter the trade and were happy with the opportunities the career fair provided to meet potential hires.

"We'll do it again in the future if they offer," said Nelson.