Career Fairs represent some of the longest standing opportunities for students to explore careers, whether organized by their schools on-campus, or by employers offsite.
An April event at the Pittsburgh Marriott put somewhat of a new twist on the old standard. It brought together seniors just weeks from graduation, many of whom have no immediate post-secondary plans, to engage with employers and training programs that have immediate recruitment needs. Unlike traditional fall and winter career fairs, it was more about matchmaking than career exploration.
More than 100 students from a dozen schools attended and more than 20 businesses, training programs and support organizations were on hand to showcase jobs, training and resources.
Both employers and students said the event met the moment.
One Beaver Falls High School senior, for example, said he attended to find out if Giant Eagle offered a Bakery Apprenticeship. One of the grocery chain’s Talent Acquisition Partners, Zack Haines, not only told him all about the curriculum, he also described opportunities for jobs and advancement.
Another senior, from West Mifflin Area High School, was looking for a job to use the cooking skills he gained in his district’s culinary program, preferably within walking distance. He learned about possibilities at Giant Eagle and Sheetz.
And a Deer Lakes High School senior planning to study theater at Community College of Allegheny County, discussed options with the Gateway Clipper Fleet table as she scouted possible summer jobs.
“It was a very timely opportunity,” said Consortium Executive Director Jackie Foor. “By spring, most graduating seniors are looking at least for summer jobs and, those who aren’t going to college are looking either for some kind of training, or jobs that might put them on a career path.”
“At the same time,” she added, “the companies and training programs that hosted tables are all looking to recruit, so it couldn’t have been more of a win-win.”
In its role as an intermediary connecting students and schools to businesses and community resources, the Consortium helped organize the event in collaboration with AHN, Giant Eagle, and PNC Bank, who sponsored the event, as well as Partner4Work, our region’s Workforce Investment Board. Almost 20 additional employers and training programs also participated.
“The employers who are here have great opportunities for students at the entry level to come in and gain experience–and not just jobs, but jobs with opportunities for advancement,” said AHN’s Manager for University Relations, Jill Kirsch.
The Consortium wishes to thank sponsors, table hosts, and support organizations that helped make the event a success.
Employers and programs hosting tables included: Allegheny County Airport Authority, AHN, Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Energy Innovation Center Institute/BankWork$, First Commonwealth Bank, Gateway Clipper Fleet, Giant Eagle, Kane Community Living Centers, Marriott Pittsburgh, Mascaro Construction, Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania, SAI Consulting Engineering, Inc., S&B USA Construction, Sheetz, St. Barnabas Health System, The Nutrition Group, Inc., University of Pittsburgh—Dental Assistant Training Program, and U.S. Coast Guard.
Also available at the event were two nonprofits—Dress for Success and Heyward House—that offer supports some graduating seniors may need.
