Career Expo & Job Fair 2024
Kodiak Economic Development Corporation partnered with Kodiak Island Borough School District, organizations, and employers to provide Career Expo 2024: Onward & Upward for high school students at KHS, AKTEACH, and rural schools. While the Career Expo prepares new graduates for the workforce, all the events and training were designed to also support and raise awareness for local businesses.
Career Expo event coordinator Melissa Schoenwether said,"This event took time and energy from many willing supporters. From the start, the team at KANA and Providence were instrumental in shaping the flow of these two days. This was KEDC's second year providing the Career Expo opportunity for high school students. We were able to capitalize on what worked well last year, refine those aspects a bit, and incorporate a few new pieces. Diane Maples of KIBSD provided support and guidance on elevating the student's experience for this event. We realized that it was important for both KEDC and local businesses to engage with students in the weeks leading up to Career Expo in order for them to understand the event. We began with an assembly for juniors and seniors where I informed them that there are businesses in town offering solid trades and apprenticeships who are eager to connect with them through Career Expo. The students' immediate and continued feedback was, 'I never knew these opportunities were available,' highlighting the need for more work in this area."
Students at Highmark learning about fabrication
This two-day training event directly connected students to businesses, agencies, and organizations. A featured panel of 24 guest speakers representing Brechan Construction, Highmark Marine Fabrication, KANA, Providence, Kodiak Veterinary Clinic, USCG Cutter CYPRESS, USCG Air Station and Base Kodiak, CG Fire Department, Alaska Marine Highway System, Alaska Army National Guard, and CG Marine Safety Unit were on hand to answer student questions and share employment opportunities. During the panel discussion time, students raised many questions, including: Can I really get a job right after I graduate? What do you expect from a new hire? How do you train high school graduates? Will I be able to work and earn enough to live in Kodiak?
Afterward, panelists were able to ask the students questions as well to gauge how many wanted to stay in Kodiak after graduating (a majority), how many were aware of the trade jobs available (fewer than 3 students), and what were specific concerns they had regarding entering the workforce. The highlight of the morning activities was a "Speed Dating Potential Employer," where small groups of 2 to 3 students rotated through various business possibility groups to ask pointed follow-up questions. Students participated in a training session in the afternoon covering job applications, resume development, successful interview skills, and practical strategies for starting a new job.
Students aboard CG CYPRESS
The businesses and agencies that attended put in time and energy long before the first day. Schoenwether shared, "When I reached out to Highmark Marine and Brechan Construction about the opportunity to speak directly to Career and Technology classes that Diane Maples was offering us, they were 100% onboard. Cooper Curtis and Dylan Bietsch from Highmark carved out a few hours from their busy day to visit classes to explain what the vast array of job opportunities open to students after graduating. I learned as much as the students: one company in town provides everything from welding and fabrication to automotive and mechanical opportunities! Jascha Zbitnoff went with me on a separate day to explain what opportunities were available for on-the-job training and advancement. He explained to students what a career path in the trades industry looked like and the value it brings to employees and our Kodiak community. He was also able to answer the students' questions about unions and give them foundational knowledge to see what they were learning in class today could translate into once they graduate."
Schoenwether also shared, "The amount of work that went into preparing for this two-day Career Expo started months before the event, and throughout the entire process, every single business, organization, and agency I worked with was completely invested. Each offered me considerations and opportunities to learn from them—and about them–in ways that will help KEDC serve our community better as we try to strengthen our local workforce."
On the second day, students had onsite visits in the morning to Kodiak Veterinary Clinic, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, and USCG Cutter CYPRESS. Laura Mullican was the coordinator for the onsite visit to Providence, where students toured the hospital's facility to understand the scope of caregiving and administrative support, which was of particular interest to those high school students studying business development. Nicole Sassin from Kodiak Veterinary Clinic showed students the front-of-house work done at the clinic, which also provided the same administrative and customer service applications for that area of study. Students were then given a behind the scenes tour to see first hand how to help an injured kitten and also evaluate and care for an enormous bunny. Though students admitted the animals were adorable, one student shared, "You could immediately see how important the work with animals is. You aren't just treating a pet; you seem to be treating their entire family."
Practicing fire drills aboard CG CYPRESS
At the CGC CYPRESS, students did much more than tour the vessel. They learned the roles needed to navigate and support every facet of life aboard ship. For those students interested in fire safety, the crew of the CYPRESS provided a glimpse of what work of that nature could entail, allowing students to suit up and feel what it was like to work together to operate the fire hose. "Being aboard [the CYPRESS] really opened my eyes to how many job possibilities there are that I have never considered," one student shared.
Students at KANA Wellness Center
In the afternoon, there were visits to Highmark Marine Fabrication on Mill Bay Road, where Brechan Construction and Highmark both provided opportunities for students to operate excavators and mobile cranes and to explore fabrication processes. KANA shared various job opportunities, allowing students to visit the KANA Wellness Center to connect with representatives. "I honestly thought this was just a place to work out," one Career Expo participant said. "The gym is really nice, and the people from KANA were really nice too. Each one explained what we could do [in a job position with KANA] after graduating and starting work. I think they did a great job of letting us see what is available for career opportunities here in our own neighborhood. Who knew?"
Students also visited the KIBSD HR and Early Childhood Development Center. They agreed that the children were fun to work with and that "a job like that would make me feel good each day."
The second JOB FAIR was designed with students in mind and the public, picking up right where Career Expo left off. Though Job Fair was open to the public from 3:30 to 6pm, there was an element just for High School students. From 12:15 to 1:00, students were invited to a special lunch and preparation time before the event opened exclusively to them from 1:00 to 3:00. During lunch, the owner and operator of Bearfoot Bakery, Crystal Burnside, came to deliver cookies as well as explain what it is like to be an entrepreneur in Kodiak. "If you have a passion, explore it. You never know where it will lead!" She encouraged the students to work in a field related to their interests to hone their skills and to also challenge themselves in areas they may not like but would be useful to owning and operating a business. "I don't just bake. I worked on my website, I made my business plan, I do the marketing for my business, and customer service. There is a lot that goes into owning your own business. Take time to build your skills," Burnside shared.
Students had time to visit the a variety of businesses, organizations, and agencies in a low to no pressure setting. Abbeygale, a KHS student participating in Job Fair said, "I appreciated the time each table took as I stopped to ask questions. It was great to not be in an overcrowded space and rushed through. Also, every adult I spoke with listened to my questions and gave good answers."
Olivia, student at KHS: "We each had enough time to thoroughly understand what each business was about. I had real conversations and could talk freely."
Other students shared:
"Having the event this year here [at the Marketplace] made it feel more professional."
"Every table was supportive. I was nervous but it was fun! I filled out several job applications with help from Melissa [Schoenwether] and Mrs. [Diane] Maples. I even went back and turned those applications in. Now I can be nervous about getting hired. Just kidding."
"When we walked into the room I was scared. There were so many adults! It turned out to not be overwhelming, they were all nice. I guess the biggest surprise was being able to walk around to every table, and telling them I wasn't sure what they did, or what I could do if I worked with them. Every single table gave me answers."
"I came just to see what jobs were available. I actually filled out several applications. Some of the tables told me to do it for practice even though I am not ready to start work. Everyone was really, really encouraging!"
