Even in this economy, where jobs are growing more scarce, a group of youth advocates are trying to build some bridges and offer new opportunities for some students who don’t see themselves in college after graduation.  Often, traditional job fairs for young people focus on recruiting high achieving students who are planning to get a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Members of the Franklin County Juvenile Justice Council are concerned about the number of kids who have no idea what they want to do for a living and have no plans to attend in college.  JJC members noted that there are lots of little known opportunities for good paying jobs that don’t require a four year or graduate degree. During a meeting several months ago, Steve Buntin of Franklin County Probation, a member of the council and avid diver discussed the good salaries that salvage divers can earn with certain certifications and the idea grew from there.

            Over 100 high school students from Franklin County attended the first event held March 24th, 2010.  Attendees met with dozens of area business leaders who hire or train workers without college degrees.  Students also participated in three workshops throughout the day to build skills in resume writing, job interviewing, and successfully keeping a job once hired. 

            "The idea really fits in well with our collective commitment to building developmental assets" says John Shadowens of the Prevention Department of the H Group.  "Not everyone has the financial resources, the grades, or the interest to attend college.  A good education is indeed important.  Unfortunately, we can over-emphasize the role of higher education to the point that non-college bound students don't understand that they can have a very successful life without ever stepping foot on a university campus."   Vendors from building and child care trades joined union representatives, technical schools, food services, landscaping, retail and other industries to meet with students face to face and openly discuss what it takes to earn a good wage and build a life long career. 

Monica Urban, a lead organizer of the event believes that helping young people get established into well-paying careers right out of high school can help break the cycles of addiction, crime and unemployment.  "We are so excited that there has been so much interest and support for this idea" says Urban.  "An event like this can open some kids' eyes to opportunities they may have never knew existed otherwise."  Other organizers of this event include representatives from ManTraCon, Regional Office of Education, Benton Consolidated High School, The H Group, Franklin County Probation, and Second Circuit Court Services.  

To learn more about the Job Fair or to participate in future events, please contact Monica at franklincojjc@franklicojjc.org