FULTON – Fulton’s G. Ray Bodley High School recently held its Road to Success career fair, giving students from across the school district the opportunity to learn about future careers and professional opportunities. Dozens of local businesses and organizations were in attendance, offering student visitors essential information and hands-on experiences throughout the event.
On Tuesday, May 21, GRB held its annual career fair with the theme of “Road to Success.” High school students met with business and organizational leaders in the school’s library, halls and parking lot alongside junior high students and sixth-graders from each of the district’s four elementary schools. More than a thousand students were in attendance throughout the day.
Many visiting organizations stepped away from traditional informational tables to offer students engaging, hands-on experiences of future possibilities. Students were able to operate real heavy equipment alongside the International Union of Operating Engineers or test their driving skills in an 18-wheeler driving simulator with the Trucking Association of New York. The IBEW encouraged students to bend electrical conduit while the Boilermakers and Sheet Metal Workers taught welding basics and the Roofers Local 195 placed shingles. The U.S. Marines tested student strength as the Carpenter’s Union checked on hammering skills.
“The goal of this year’s event was to allow students in grades six through twelve the opportunity to explore careers that may be of interest to them or that they had never thought of before,” said Angela Ferlito, the district’s Work-based Learning Coordinator. “We wanted to let kids discuss opportunities with employers and participate in hands-on activities related to careers they might possibly want to explore further in the future.”
The event was supported by organizations like Oswego County Workforce NY, Oswego County Opportunities, Access-VR and many more. Eager students were able to find opportunities for summer employment or for career training after graduation.
“Students need to prepare for life after high school,” added Ferlito. “And we want to show them the opportunities available right here in Central New York.”