WESTFIELD – Businesses will benefit from registering for the High School Career Fair at Westfield State University on Friday, June 16, according to Kate Phelon, executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. 600 students from Westfield High School and Westfield Technical Academy will participate in two shifts from 7:45 to 11:30 a.m. Businesses will have the opportunity to educate the future workforce about the requirements and skills needed for employment in their industries, as well as to promote current employment and internship opportunities.
Sponsored by the Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) and Westfield Gas & Electric, the career fair is free, and tables and coverings will be provided at the Woodward Center by the university. Set up opens from 6 to 7:30 a.m.
“This is a great opportunity for civic and community engagement, and to raise awareness and the profile of your business to students and staff members,” Phelon said.
Planning for the career fair came out of the monthly WE2BA meetings, which focus on how to better prepare students for the workforce, and opportunities for businesses to get more involved in education in the community.
Businesses do not have to have immediate opportunities for student employment to participate. Educating students about what different career paths and what skills businesses are looking for is another focus of the career fair.
“The purpose of the fair is to introduce our students to a variety of career paths while also exposing them to essential skills for future success. Students will learn about different career opportunities in greater Westfield. We also want the students to hear about the importance of core soft skills, showing initiative at work, strong communication and collaboration skills, and building habits that support dependability,” said Westfield Public School superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Phelon also encourages non-profits to sign up, and let students know what opportunities are out there in the non-profit world.
The deadline for registration for businesses is June 1, and there is plenty of space available. Businesses may register by contacting Pam Bussell at [email protected] or calling 413-568-1618 to reserve a table. The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is also looking for raffle prizes for the event.
