Annual Career Fair & Business Expo Offers Job Opportunities

Leyden High School District 212 and The Chamber by O'Hare hosted the 13th Annual Career Fair and Business Expo on Wednesday, November 6, in the field house at East Leyden High School. The fair was free and open to students, parents, community members and businesses. The event attracted about 1500 visitors.

This year's expo featured local businesses and current business partners offering information on seasonal, part-time and full-time employment. Representatives from Triton College also were available to offer information on continuing education opportunities to those community members interested in pursuing a new career or learning new skills.

"The career fair has something for all of our students," says Leyden's Frank Holthouse, Director of Careers and Community Outreach. "Attending the career fair gives students the chance to hone their soft skills by engaging with representatives. Students practiced how to introduce themselves, and practiced answering typical questions that might be asked of them at an interview - as well as appropriate questions they should ask at an interview."

A total of 80 businesses participated, giving job-seekers the chance to meet with company representatives, and in some cases, fill-out job applications on the spot. Some of the businesses, companies and organizations that were represented include Paramedic Services of Illinois, Delta Sonic Car Wash, Mariano's, Rickert Realtors, Oak Leyden Developmental Services and representatives from branches of the United States military.

Many companies were hiring and several conducted on-site interviews. "As a comprehensive high school district, it is important for students to consider all options after high school," Holthouse notes. "Events like this help make students more aware of the opportunities that await them."

Visitors also had the chance to talk with counselors from District 212 and Triton College to learn about the latest trends in career planning and technology.