The experience was just one of many available to Thornapple Kellogg High School juniors and seniors at Wednesday’s college and career fair. The large gym was filled with 48 businesses and colleges giving students the opportunity to select which best fits their interests. Health care, construction, agriculture, engineering, industrial machining, skilled trades, banking and financial, and the U.S. Armed forces were just a few of the career areas represented.
TKHS teacher Layn Welker, who organizes the College and Career fair, said he was very pleased with the turnout of local companies and their willingness to spend their morning talking with students. “It’s a good way for students to find summer jobs, talk about internships and learn about college tuition reimbursements that a lot of companies offer now.”
He said it is also a good chance for students to get better acquainted with different types of careers available in the area. “There are so many options available,” said Welker.
Many of the presenters were Thornapple Kellogg alumni and said they love coming back to talk with students about their own careers. Representatives talked with students about the education they will need for jobs and even job shadow opportunities.
The fair was a reminder to students of all the options they have available and that there are opportunities right here in West Michigan. Welker said he appreciates all the professionals who take time out of their days to come to the College and Career fair and talk with students.
Companies represented at today’s career fair:
U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
U.S. Marines
Barry County Road Commission
Corewell Health
Bradford White
Hastings Insurance
Caledonia Farmers Elevator
Thornapple Manor
Ferris State University
Calvin University
Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force & Barry County Mental Health Authority
Lown Homes
Everett’s Landscape
Owen Ames Kimball
Kellogg Community College
Choice Concrete Construction
Spring Arbor University
YMCA of Barry County
GreenMark Equipment
Michigan State Police
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights
Kellogg Community College - RMTC
Douglas J
Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance
Universal Technical Institute
Burgess Concrete Construction
Davenport University
West Michigan Works!
Digitrace LTD
HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative
Lawrence Technological University
Thornapple Eyecare
Hastings Fiberglass Products, Inc.
Highpoint Community Bank
Bruggrabe Masonry
Oakland University
Thornapple Township Fire Department
Grand Rapids Community College
Aquinas College