Career choices and opportunities are abundant for today’s young people.
Many were recently on display for Union City Middle School 8th graders as they attended the annual Pathways2Possibilities Career Expo in Ripley.
School Communications Director Mike Hutchens said students incorporated their year-long curriculum from Rhonda Clendenin’s Career Exploration Class to make the tour event more valuable.
At the Expo, they spent extensive time exploring many of the careers available in our region. The program, which drew students from eight West Tennessee counties and an estimated 4,000 students in all, was a beneficial opportunity for students to take the first steps in planning for his or her future.
Vendors from nearly 20 different businesses and agencies were in attendance, showcasing their products and providing vital company information. Included among the widespread conversations was the education/training needed as well as the pay scale for a number of jobs.
“There was a wide variety of options for our students to see,” said Vice Principal Cole McAdams, who accompanied the group along with several 8th-grade teachers and Union City High School Career Counselor Lisa Carson. “For them to be able to see and ask questions first-hand of many vendors was priceless, I believe.
“The organizers did a phenomenal job of showing their opportunities, and I believe it made our students consider some options that they’d not previously thought of.”
(photos: Mike Hutchens – School Communications Director)
