WEMOCO’s annual Career Fair was scheduled to be held on May 1, 2020, but due to the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak and the advisements of Governor Cuomo, is being run remotely through the entire month of May. Work-Based Learning Coordinators Brandilyn Gage-Steves and Cindy Christensen redesigned the event this year so students would not miss out on the opportunity to connect with local businesses in the career field they are hoping to join.
“Although this pandemic has changed how we are conducting our business, we need now more than ever, for our students to be able to utilize the transferrable skills they have been developing during their time at WEMOCO, to connect with industry and continue to help close the skills gap,” says Gage-Steves. “We won’t let anything stop us from seeing our students be successful.”
In the past, the event had been held in the Professional Development Center at the BOCES 2 Education Services Center. Over 75 companies attended the Career Fair in 2019.
The pair has asked all interested businesses, whether they are currently hiring or anticipating hiring in the future, to send information about the company and opportunities for students to explore. The information has been used to create a gallery the students can browse and find companies they are interested in. Student resumes will be sent to the company of interest to set up a potential virtual interview or tour.
Teachers and work-based learning coordinators have been assisting students as they create their resumes.
“We realize the impact that the Coronavirus has had on the businesses in our community. We want our industry partners to know that we value their partnerships and that we appreciate their support for our students during these difficult times,” says Christensen. “Our commitment to having the Career Fair, despite current circumstances, proves our belief that connecting two valuable groups will help us come out of Covid19 stronger and better together.”
Students are able to access the Career Fair by using the Schoology group access code that has been shared by their teacher. Once in the group, students are able to explore job postings under the "Resource" section, located on the left-hand side of the page. Postings are organized by Career Cluster.
Photos: Career and Technical Education students attend the WEMOCO Career Fair in 2019.