The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development and Henderson County Public Schools co-hosted the first ever Made in Henderson County Job Fair focused on connecting high school seniors with local employment opportunities.

23 Henderson County manufacturers attended the fair to market 79 open positions that students with little work experience or applicable skillset would be eligible for immediately upon graduation. 110 high school seniors participated by completing a standard application to share their skills and interests with prospective employers in advance. Employers profiled their open positions so that students could connect with the opportunities that interested them most.

The job fair emerged from a growing partnership between the school system and HCPED which has, through Made in Henderson County employer tours and events, showcased manufacturing careers to middle and high school students since 2012. The job fair is a unique workforce development solution in that it has the potential to positively impact current employer needs by connecting them directly with local students who are career-ready .

“Manufacturing has changed a lot. Today’s career opportunities are high-tech and challenging. Many of these positions are paying premium wages, reimbursing for education and offering great benefits,” stated Will Buie, Chair of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development Board of Directors. “We hope this job fair not only showcased manufacturing careers but placed many students in wonderful positions.”

“This was an excellent opportunity for our students who are prepared to enter the workforce after graduation,” shared Dr. Wendy Frye, Director of High Schools and Career Technical Education. “The job fair provided instant access to potential employers, and opportunities for students to network with professionals in their field of interest.”

Made in Henderson County is a coordinated effort established to enhance the connection between manufacturing businesses and Henderson County Public Schools, while telling the story of manufacturing, the products that are made here, and the people who make them. The effort to enhance connectivity between manufacturing businesses and the school system is focused on raising the visibility of manufacturing as a viable career path to ensure that Henderson County students have diverse employment opportunities in the community, and manufacturing businesses have access to skilled, local talent. Visit www.madeinhendersoncounty.com for more information.