Preston High School in conjunction with the Preston County Chamber of Commerce, held a career fair for students and the community on Thursday, May 2nd, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event hosted more than 30 groups from all around the area looking to fill part-time and full-time positions in both professional and technical careers. According to PHS event organizer, Assistant Principal Ryan Justus, some of the businesses present included Preston Memorial, Mon Health, Beitzel Excavating, Mountaineer Challenge Academy, Affordable Signs Unlimited, the Preston County Sheriff’s Department, as well as companies for electrical, mining, construction, the local pipe fitters union, area banks, and even our own school district personnel department. “The most popular tables seem to be those connected with our shop type classes - our welders, our carpentry students, nursing students, etc. – students are able to connect with local businesses from not just Kingwood, but also the greater area,” said Justus, who hopes this event turns into an annual one.
Sophomore Gage Phillips said, “I’m just looking for what to do after high school. I’m not really sure what I want to do, so I am looking at all different types of stuff.” Phillips said he looked at mining since his family has a history in the mining industry as well as contracting.” In preparation for a future career, Phillips said he is already participating in Preston High’s CTE program (auto technology). A resident of Tunnelton, Phillips said that his favorite table he visited was GMS Mine Repair and maintenance because “they told us they do underground and travel work…it just depends on what you specialize in, but there’s lots of opportunities.” Phillips added that he is thinking about also completing the electrical program at PHS so that he can be a double completer and well-prepared for a variety of future careers post high school. Phillips thought the event was interesting and that he provided an opportunity for students to look at a lot of different careers and get in to. “We get to talk to more people and get more opportunities.”
Harley Paige Riley, also a sophomore at PHS, said she learned a lot. She said she plans to participate in the welding program, so she was able to make a lot of connections and talk to a variety of employers about the various opportunities for her future, and she learned there are a lot of apprenticeships available. “It is easier to find more options to do after school because I am on the fence of if I don’t get into the program [welding] what college will I attend, which school will I attend, what will be my plan.” Riley said she received a lot of advice, which “really helps.”
Kristen Stemple of Beitzel Excavating said their participation in the event was to see what is coming out of Preston High School as far as future employees and to provide students with information about the opportunities her employer has to offer. Stemple said their job offerings include labor operators, truck drivers, carpenters, etc.
Lora Quince and Samantha Kerns of Valley Healthcare System said their organization is regional as well as local. Valley has an outpatient office in Kingwood, a day program in Terra Alta, and group homes around the Independence area. Both women are graduates of Preston High and feel this is an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the types of positions available. Valley Healthcare is not just social workers and therapists, they also have entry level positions; they have nursing positions; bachelor’s level service coordination positions and case managers; and master’s level therapists, etc. “We are providing them with information about the areas and positions we have available, based on what their interest is,” said Quince. Kerns added, “we’ve had some students that are in the nursing field and were surprised to find that Valley hires nurses and not just therapist.” This opportunity gave Valley Healthcare a chance to get their name out there and introduce students to not just employment opportunities, but also the various services they have available. “We’ve expanded recently and work with veterans, children (five years old and up), the LGBTQIA+ community, peer support, inpatient and outpatient, residential, and many more.
The event was not only just for the students of PHS but was also open to the community. Quince and Kerns said they were happy to see a mix of people and to have the opportunity to “get the word out.”
Cassie Riley of Affordable Signs Unlimited (a local business in Reedsville) said she was specifically looking today to add to their screen printing department and was pleased to find students were very interested. A certain skill set is not needed. Riley said, “We will train. It is super easy to learn, and new employees can have it down within a week.” Riley also said she was pleased to see how mature and professional the students were. “They introduced themselves; they were polite, shook hands, and came up and engaged with employers.” Riley said she received several applications for employment today, both from students and adults.
An additional story by WBOY TV is also available online at
https://www.wboy.com/video/preston-high-school-holds-career-fair-for-students-and-community/9661173/
Preston County Schools would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations who participated and the Preston County Chamber of Commerce for cohosting the event.