“Our focus areas over the past year have been four items, one of which is education and career path,” said Rick Pearce, president and CEO of the chamber. “We’re trying to get our youth in our area schools to expose them to a lot of different careers so they can start determining which might be best for them.”
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The free event, which is open to the public, marks another opportunity for area businesses to present themselves to students to let them know of their presence in the area, that they hire local people and have an array of careers.
The showcase is designed to be a win-win for both sides, helping businesses build a pipeline of new employees and preparing students for their future, Pearce said.
Schools invited include Edgewood, Fenwick, Madison, Middletown Christian, Middletown and Monroe high schools, as well as Butler Tech, Cincinnati State and Miami Middletown.
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Pearce said he’s suggested manufacturers or those in the industrial sector provide an interactive display of their raw materials, what their finished product looks like and who uses it.
“Then the students can begin to understand what’s done here because a lot of our membership makes things,” he said.
All companies will provide a list of careers for high school graduates, those with an industry credential or special certification or those with 2-year or 4-year degrees.
The career showcase, however, is not is a job fair, Pearce said. It’s more of a way of introducing students and parents the possibilities of teens being involved in local industry.
“(It’s geared toward) prolonging their career,” he said. “Our local businesses need employees. They need that human resource.”
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IF YOU GO
WHAT: All American Expo Business & Careers by The Chamber of Commerce Serving Middletown, Monroe & Trenton
WHERE: Miami University Middletown, Johnston Hall, first floor, 4200 N. University Blvd., Middletown
WHEN: March 23. Career Showcase from 9 a.m. to noon. Business Expo from 1 to 5 p.m. MillerCoors After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m.
MORE INFO: Call 513-422-4551 or email info@thechamberofcommerce.org
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