POMEROY—Talented Southern High School students, with resumes in hand, had the opportunity to engage with leading employers at the Meigs County Fairgrounds during the job fair organized by Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
This event served as a valuable platform for students to explore diverse career paths, network with potential employers, and gain insight into future opportunities.
Employers who participated in the event include leaders from Mark Porter AutoGroup, Local 168 Plumbers Pipefitters and Service Technicians, Local 80 Insulators Union, Rio Grande Meigs Center, Carpenters Union, Austin Powder Company, Buckeye Hills Career Center, Micro Machine Works, Inc., Future Plans/Grit Project, MPW Industrial Services, General Mills, Ohio Operating Engineers, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Meigs County Public Transit, Ohio University Career Ready Campus, Holzer Senior Care, HI-VAC, IBEW Local 972, ResCare, Renewable Works, Ohio University Culinary, and Destiny Truck Driving Academy.
The Appalachian Ohio Manufacturer's Coalition (AOMC) collaborated with OhioMeansJobs to host the dynamic job fair, emphasizing the exciting career opportunities within the manufacturing sector. The event featured a FANUC robot, providing students with an engaging demonstration of the innovative and well-compensated career paths available in manufacturing.
George Bilokonsky, Director of AOMC, underscored the importance of such events in bridging the gap between students and the manufacturing industry.
“Our role is to connect manufacturing companies across Ohio with the future workforce,” Bilokonsky stated. “It’s crucial for students to understand the educational pathways leading to manufacturing careers. Many students are familiar with STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—but often lack awareness that these fields can lead to lucrative manufacturing roles.”
Bilokonsky also addressed common misconceptions about manufacturing environments, highlighting the sector’s evolution.
“The perception that all manufacturing jobs are in dirty, industrial settings is outdated. Today, many manufacturing roles involve operating advanced robots in clean, controlled environments.”
Dana Hermann, Manager of Outreach and Recruitment at AOMC, emphasized the coalition’s commitment to supporting students through events like the job fair.
“Our goal is to demonstrate the relevance of manufacturing careers and to foster interest from a young age. It’s essential to educate students about the industry and dispel outdated stereotypes about manufacturing,” Hermann remarked.
To illustrate the modern advancements in manufacturing, the event featured an industrial robot designed with cutting-edge technology to ensure safety and efficiency. Trevor Cochran, Manager of Workforce Development and Training at AOMC, explained the robot’s advanced features.
“The robot is equipped with internal core sensors that detect and respond to the presence of nearby employees, enhancing safety in the industrial environment,” Cochran noted.
Students had the opportunity to interact with the robot, using its grippers to manipulate large dice, providing them with a hands-on experience that highlighted the exciting potential of a career in manufacturing.
Among those hosting stations at the career fair were representatives from Mark Porter Auto Group. They highlighted that the automotive industry is an exciting and constantly evolving field, offering many career opportunities. From vehicle maintenance and repair to advanced diagnostics and the latest automotive technologies, there's a niche for anyone passionate about cars.
The Mark Porter Auto Group team also expressed how much they enjoyed engaging with students and answering their questions about the vast possibilities within the automotive field.
Kelly Helber, with The GRIT Project Team, also attended the event. He communicated that he was very thankful to the administrators at Southern, Eastern, and Meigs high schools for their support in allowing the students to explore different careers.
“Effective student engagement at career fairs is key to fostering interest and excitement about potential career paths. By creating interactive and informative booths, professionals can spark curiosity and encourage students to ask questions, explore their options, and discover careers they may not have previously considered,” Helber stated. “The students were amazing and hopefully they gained some knowledge to help them with their future endeavors.”
With a wide array of industries represented, students were able to explore potential career paths and develop professional connections that may shape their future careers. This job fair exemplifies the ongoing commitment of Ohio Means Jobs to foster opportunities for local talent and strengthen the regional workforce.
“We recognize the immense value that job fairs bring to both students and employers. These events create a vital pipeline, allowing young talent to engage directly with industry professionals, explore a wide range of career opportunities, and gain insights into the skills and qualifications that are in demand,” noted Shelly Adams, Supervisor at OMJ-Meigs County. “Ultimately, job fairs play a key role in building a more skilled and prepared talent pool, which is essential for both individual success and regional economic growth.”
Theresa Lavender, Director of Meigs County Department of Job and Family Services, underscored the critical importance of supporting high school students and the broader community by showcasing career opportunities available within the local area.
Lavender explained that they have been hosting job fairs for decades and they play a pivotal role in fostering economic growth by bridging the gap between employers and job seekers, promoting local employment opportunities, and contributing to workforce development.
“These events provide a platform for businesses to showcase their operations and for individuals to explore career possibilities, thus encouraging a dynamic exchange of skills and talent,” Lavender communicated. “By connecting qualified candidates with in-demand jobs, job fairs help reduce unemployment rates, increase household income, and support local economies. Additionally, they drive innovation and productivity, which are key components of long-term economic sustainability and growth.”
From the local business leaders to the OMJ staff who worked tirelessly to prepare for the event, Lavender also wanted to convey her deepest appreciation for the successful event.
The event played a pivotal role in the professional development of high school students by offering a unique platform to explore career opportunities and gain valuable industry insights.
“Job fairs are a critical touchpoint for high school students as they begin to navigate their professional trajectories,” said Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto. “These events serve as a dynamic interface between emerging talent and industry leaders, providing students with the opportunity to gain first hand exposure to diverse career fields.”
A special thanks to the staff members who chaperoned the event including SHS Guidance Counselor Russ Fields, English teacher Brian Allen, and Career Coach Beth Lanning.