Murphy – Buses loaded with students arrived at First Baptist Church on Nov. 5 for Cherokee County Schools third annual CTE Career Expo.
The event provided students with an opportunity to see multiple, potential career choices at a single location. Students had the opportunity to go from booth to booth asking questions, obtaining informational handouts and receiving treats.
Some of the community members participating in the expo included banking establishments, insurance companies, public safety, manufacturing companies and different branches of the U.S. military.
“We’re very appreciative of all the businesses and organizations that have come out. We just can’t say enough of how thankful we are for all the participation. The cooperation is incredible,” said Dr. Keevin Woody, superintendent of Cherokee County Schools.
More than 300 applications were filled out by students to participate in the day’s event.
“I’d like to either do welding or work with stuff for cars and equipment,” Oaks Academy student Hunter Vanmeter said. He was busy looking at handouts from Team Industries Inc. in Marble.
A large group of students were gathered around Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office patrol cars throughout the expo. The students seemed to enjoy the experience of deputies placing handcuffs on them.
The Tennessee Valley Authority table offered a large wheel for students to spin with different subjects to learn about. The Cherokee Scout offered insight into careers in news writing careers and photography, while Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital spoke with students about opportunities in patient care.
“It’s been a great turnout, with a lot of students coming by to ask questions. We want the students to know there are opportunities available in this community, whether they are interested in direct patient care or not,” said Angie Shuler, human resources site coordinator for Erlanger.
Organizers were happy with the turnout, while students and vendors appeared to enjoy being involved.