Job fairs shed light on employment options for HS seniors
Franklin County School career coach Lori Hardin said “three E’s” represent the options available to students when they graduate from high school: employment, enrollment or enlistment. To help students get a head start on that choice, the system is hosting a series of Senior Sprint Job Fairs – and local businesses are invited to attend and meet their future workforce.
Four job fairs will give each senior in Franklin County the chance to attend. The job fairs will be April 27 at Phil Campbell, with Belgreen seniors also attending; April 28 at Red Bay, with seniors from Vina also attending; April 29 at Russellville; and May 4 at Tharptown.
“I told them this is really their chance because they are going to have all of the HR people in one room,” Hardin said.
Students interested in pursuing jobs straight out of college will have the chance to meet with a variety of businesses and apply for jobs.
“Some places have even chosen to do interviews that afternoon, so they could receive a job offer that day,” Hardin said.
Hardin said she wanted the job fair to make things as simple as possible for students seeking career options.
Businesses that plan to attend include Pilgrim’s pride, G&G Steel, Sunshine Mills, Clayton Homes, Buffalo Rock and the National Guard.
Hardin said this is the first time there will be a job fair for seniors like this in Franklin County. She said in the past career coaches have taken students to a similar event in the Shoals area, but this is the first time hosting one in Franklin County.
“This way the businesses are in the area, and students are going to be much more likely to be interested in getting a job there,” Hardin said.
Russellville High School Career Tech Director Natalie Bendall said she is recommending all students who are not on a college path to attend the event and take it seriously.
“This is just another great opportunity where we can help connect students to industry,” Bendall said.
Hardin said in addition to meeting potential employers, the students are also taught proper interview tips and how to dress when applying for a job.
The job fair will be from 9-11 a.m. at each school, during which time students will get to visit each business on site and apply for jobs.
Hardin said she is still looking for additional businesses to participate. Any businesses interested in being involved can contact Hardin at lorihardin@franklin.k12.al.us.
