BENTON, Mo. — Thomas W. Kelly High School in rural Benton is preparing to host its first career and job fair set for March 21 in the high school gym.
According to Dana Daniel, college and career adviser at Kelly High School, the goal of the career and job fair is to show students opportunities available to them.
“We want our students to be exposed to local, full- and part-time job opportunities — and to also better educate them on local career options,” Daniel said.
According to Daniel, all students in ninth through 12th grades at Kelly High School will attend the fair and be encouraged to ask career-related questions.
“Students who are of age will be able to apply for open positions, too,” Daniel said. “Seniors have also been working on their resumes and are encouraged to share them with employers.
Daniel said the fair will be open to only Kelly High School students from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and then to the community from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
According to Daniel, the school intends to hold the career and job fair every spring.
“The idea sparked from wanting to better support our graduating students who plan to go straight into the workforce after high school,” Daniel said. “We also want to give Kelly alumni an opportunity to share their career knowledge with current students.”
Daniel said approximately 50 employers, businesses and career professionals have signed up to participate, and she is still accepting vendors.
Some of the businesses that will be present include Missouri State Highway Patrol, Unilever, Hart Electric, Army National Guard, Procter and Gamble, Mercy Southeast, Sikeston Parks and Recreation and various departments from City of Cape Girardeau.
“I hope our students gain a better understanding of the daily ins and outs of our local jobs and a better knowledge of the skills they will need to succeed in the workforce,” Daniels said.
Daniel said those interested in having their businesses participate can do so for free by calling her at Kelly High School at 573-545-3541.