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)
WESTFIELD – The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is seeking businesses for the Westfield Education to Business Alliance (WE2BA) High School Career Fair on April 16 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Woodward Center at Westfield State University.
Over 500 juniors and seniors from Westfield Technical Academy and Westfield High School will be in attendance to learn about career opportunities available in the greater Westfield area.
Chamber Executive Director Kate Phelon said the Chamber is really hoping to reach its goal of 75 area businesses this year. Last year, over 60 businesses attended. She said she is encouraged that early registrations include new businesses that have not participated in past fairs. Businesses do not have to be a member of the Chamber to participate in the career fair.
Phelon said the benefits to businesses include establishing connections with students for the future workforce, educating students on job skills and educational requirements needed in their field, and promoting employment and internship opportunities, present and future.
She said the fair is a great community and civic engagement event that raises the visibility of businesses.
It’s also an opportunity for students to gain a greater understanding of business and employment opportunities in Westfield that can inform their future career decisions, as well as giving them experience with interviewing and other interpersonal skills.
Students will also have the chance to learning about potential job opportunities, internships and cooperative education placements.
Phelon said she hopes to partner with Westfield High School to hold an assembly or workshop ahead of the event for students who will be attending the fair, to help them get the most out of the opportunity.
Businesses are encouraged to sign up early for free vendor tables for the event on the Chamber website at westfieldbiz.org. The last day to register is April 10.
Table sponsorships are also being sought to help defray the expenses of the event. A Vendor Table Sponsorship of $750 will sponsor 75 tables, offer an exclusive giveaway and logo on the survey handed out to all participants. Coffee Bar sponsorship of $250 includes signage at both coffee bars at the event.
