WESTFIELD-Students at Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy will be introduced to more than 30 local companies during the Westfield Education to Business Alliance High School Career Fair on April 25.
The 8 to 10:30 a.m. event, sponsored by the WE2BA, takes place at the Woodward Center on the campus of Westfield State University.
Beth Cardillo, executive director, and Julie Waniewski, director of community relations, both at Armbrook Village, encourage businesses to participate in the annual WE2BA High School Career Fair. (Submitted photo)
“The focus of the event is to expose the students to great career opportunities if they choose to stay and work here,” said Kate Phelon, executive director, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, adding, “and better yet, to come back and work here if they choose a college pathway.”
Phelon noted that while some businesses may benefit “immediately,” most businesses “may or may not see a benefit for two to four years.”
“This fair is also for the businesses to engage with the students about the various career opportunities at their companies and to discuss hiring procedures,” said Phelon.
With more than 500 students expected to attend the career fair, Phelon emphasized that business leaders attending can help shape its future – and the city’s – through workforce development.
“Chamber membership is not required to participate in the career fair,” said Phelon.
For the third year, Beth Cardillo, executive director, Armbrook Village in Westfield, has participated in the event.
“We have so many jobs at Armbrook Village,” said Cardillo, adding “we are very hooked into the schools because our wait staff is high school kids.”
Also, Cardillo said that because many of Westfield Technical Academy allied health graduates work at Armbrook Village, she was asked to be the guest speaker at the recent pinning ceremony.
Cardillo added that employment options range from nursing, maintenance and chefs, to business and concierge personnel, activity instructors, cooks, and dining staff.
Learning about volunteer opportunities and internships can also be another invaluable component for students attending the career fair.
“We also offer volunteer opportunities for young people, ranging from participating in activities with residents to working with individuals in our memory care program,” said Cardillo.
Close to 30 businesses have already signed up to participate in the career fair including Westfield Bank, United States Army and Army Reserves, John S. Lane & Son, Inc., EOLWD Division of Apprenticeship Standards, Governor’s Center, Holyoke Community College, Melaleuca – the Wellness Company, and the Polish National Credit Union. In addition, Liptak Emergency Water Removal, WGI, Inc., NetLogix, Inc., Colony Care at Home, Mass MEP, Interim Health Care, Westfield Electroplating Company, Inc., J. L. Raymaakers & Sons, Inc., United Way of Pioneer Valley, PeoplesBank, ProAmpac, United Personnel, Westfield Starfires, U.S. Small Business Administration, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, K. Wampler Consulting, and the United States Army Recruiting Company will be vendors.
Phelon noted that benefits to businesses participating include establishing strong connections with students and growing a future workforce, educating students on specific job skills needed and educational requirements, promoting employment and internship opportunities (present and future), and raising the visibility of one’s organization.
Phelon added that students also benefit from the interaction with business people by exploring potential job opportunities, gaining experience with interviewing and interpersonal skills, and making useful connections.
The last day for businesses to register – at no cost – is April 18.
For more information on the career fair, visit www.westfieldbiz.org or call (413) 568-1618.
Cardillo encouraged business people to educate teens about the diverse type of businesses in the city which promotes a unique “alliance.”
“We want young people to feel comfortable with their hometown and what they have here for job opportunities,” said Cardillo. “We attend each year to give kids some exposure to us, and on a personal note, I think it is our duty to give back to the community since we are a part of Westfield.”
