By Stephen Smoot
Last week, businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and others seeking out skilled and talented workers gathered at the Pendleton County Middle/High School gymnasium to pitch their workplaces to seniors and juniors.
Students in each class had a sheet with all those participating on it. They went from table to table, speaking to those who could answer questions and steer them toward success.
James and Pat Alt came from the family-owned Alt Welding. James Alt has worked with high school students in trades training programs in years past.
He stated that welding and other trades offered today’s students some of the best opportunities in terms of both pay and being in demand.
According to the American Welding Society, the trade leads students to “a career that’s in demand” and lists a number of different fields that need those with welding knowledge and/or skills. Career explorer lists the average salary for a welder in West Virginia at $46,240 with a high end at over $78,000.
Anne Silvester came with Jessica Alt to represent the West Virginia Department of Transportation and recruit people to work in District Eight. Silvester noted that a lot of students that she spoke with already had plans to either go to college or directly enter the workforce.
“The ones not going to college here, for the most part, already have a plan,” Silvester stated, adding that they do not see that in most other schools. They focused on promoting the summer work program that employs people on a temporary basis during the summer until they go to college, basic training, or a job already arranged.
Many of those planning on attending college have plans to go into teacher education, especially English, elementary education, and art. Many of those not planning to attend college expressed an attendance in welding.
Some expressed an entrepreneurial mindset. One student shared plans to go into tattoo artistry. Those plans included not only practicing her craft, but also earning a business degree and studying art. This will provide a solid foundation from which to develop as both an artist and a successful business owner.
The career fair gave those who have not figured out their future to learn more about the opportunities available and what schooling or other experience they might need.
Those who came to engage the students included Pendleton Manor, the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police, Pendleton County Emergency Rescue, Pendleton 911, and more. Sonny O’Neil came to help recruit the next generation of school sports officials as well.
