How will you attract future employees? A great place to start is by inviting today’s students to learn about your business and what skills or education they will need to work for you. Career fairs, mock interviews, and job shadows are the best way to introduce local students to careers in Venango County.
Oil City High School will hold its annual College and Career Fair on March 11, with the goal to educate 9-12 grade students on the many college and career opportunities available within a reasonable distance from the Oil City area. Last year, they had 51 tables representing a variety of careers, businesses, military branches, colleges, and trade/technical schools.
Students will have a 20 minute time allotment to meet and greet in an interview type scenario. Participants should come prepared with a table setup (tables provided) that will help engage questions and answers from teenagers who are perhaps a bit shy about how to approach someone.
There will be students available to assist with set-up/tear-down, etc. There will also be beverages and refreshments provided for all vendors. If interested, please complete the form at the link provided: bit.ly/OCCareerFair2020
Job Shadows
Many students are seeking an opportunity to shadow a business, which may be a part of their graduation requirement, but more importantly provides them with a chance to see firsthand what a day in your business would be like.
It is a commitment to invite a student to spend several hours with you and your staff, but it is also an investment in the future of the student and our community. If you are willing to be included in a directory of businesses offering to host a student shadow, please complete the form at venangochamber.org/job-shadow-guide.
Not certain how you can provide a student with a meaningful experience? Check out the Job Shadow Guide, which also has tips for employers.
Contact the Chamber and we’d be happy to share how we engage students in learning about business and why we think your business should join us in hosting job shadows.
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2020 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.
Photo credit: The Derrick & The News-Herald