The first career Trade Days is set to help students find jobs right out of college or high school. It will take place at the Happy State Bank Stadium Feb. 4 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. It also will help students answer questions they may have about the field of work they want to pursue.
“The inspiration for the upcoming Trade Days event emerged from a meeting with advisory boards across six of the pathways, including agriculture, education and construction,” college and technology specialist Tiffany Hooker said. “One of the business partners suggested creating an event focused on jobs that require certifications or on-the-job training instead of a college degree.”
Hooker said that the Trade Days will help students connect with different businesses and companies to get a better idea for after high school. During the Trade Days event, employers will look for skills beyond technical knowledge.
“Making those connections is at the heart of this initiative,” Hooker said. “It provides students with firsthand experience that can inform their future career choices.”
Hooker said hands-on experiences are important in high school. This will allow students to determine if a particular field aligns with their interests before committing to a college.
“If they have not found an interest, and they go to college, they’re wasting their time and their money,” Hooker said. “In high school, they will be getting these things out earlier and getting that interest.”
Strong communication skills are vital, as employers want individuals who can engage in meaningful conversations, not just texting or superficial interactions. Being professional and consistent in commitments is equally important, but the common issue is students not following through on scheduled interviews or commitments.
“I meet with our regional Career Technical Education group,” Hooker said. “I stay up to date with TEA or the Texas Education Agency. They send out information to us there, and it’s just the city and staying up to date with our community and these boards, this traverse to just reverse leads into the fall.”
College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) counselor Cenee Precure provides students with the opportunity to make a resume. A resume is a crucial part of applying for jobs because it shows the accomplishments achieved and the classes taken during high school.
“This is your time to explore your options, take an assessment, take the ASVAB, look into an internship, come to a career spotlight at CHS, talk to college reps, talk to a military recruiter or take PRO,” Precure said.
To equip students for success, the event will feature various businesses. Hooker is working with CCMR counselors to provide students with sample questions to ask potential employers. This preparation aims to foster meaningful dialogue and connections that could lead to career opportunities.
“College is not for everybody,” Hooker said. “ We just don’t have a lot of people to fill those positions, to run those big companies or a business.”
