Career expo tells students about in demand jobs

Recently, the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation partnered with the McHenry County Cooperative for Employment Education, the Workforce Investment Board, the McHenry Workforce Network and McHenry County College to host the second one-day career expo targeted to McHenry County high school students.

The goal of "Careers in Our County" was to educate students on the variety of jobs available in the critical need shortage areas within McHenry County and the educational requirements and skills needed to pursue these careers.

Throughout the day, students interacted with exhibitors and attended a presentation that focused on job preparation and resume tips.

As part of the experience, attendees were asked to fill out an expo survey.

Rating the overall experience and findings gathered from more than 1,500 attendees, the results include the following data:

• 78 percent felt overall favorable about the event

• 59 percent felt the Company and Career Booths interesting and informative

• 79 percent felt the Interviewing and Resume Preparation very helpful

• 37.8 percent identified a career they would pursue; 42 percent responded maybe

• 43 percent found health care of interest, followed by manufacturing at 35 percent.

Survey responses indicated that 18 percent felt they are likely to pursue a career in McHenry County; 24 percent said somewhat likely; 39 percent were neutral; 9 percent unlikely and 5 percent somewhat unlikely.

"MCEDC and our Cooperative for Employment Education and the exhibitors put a lot of effort into this event to make it special, interactive, informational and educational," said Joel Green, Director of the McHenry County Cooperative for Employment Education.

"Feedback from the kids and exhibitors was overwhelmingly positive," he added.

Denise Brausen, Centegra and member of the CIC Presentation Team said, "We were pleased to see such positive results from the survey.

"It was gratifying to know that so many students left with something that will help them as they plan for their futures."