Twenty-nine vendors presented information to students at a trade fair held April 17 at Jefferson High School. It was the first time the school held such a fair, and officials are already planning next year’s.
According to Career/Guidance Counselor Joseph Michaud, student interest in the event was “very high.”
“Over 60% of our students steer the way of two-year programs, so this was very beneficial for us,” he said by email.
Vendors included two-year schools with trades programs, trades unions, apprenticeships, local businesses, construction companies and the military.
“We wanted all our kids to know there are countless other opportunities after high school [in addition to] a four-year degree program,” Michaud wrote. “I’m a school counselor that strives to find a post-secondary ‘fit’ [for students] and a four-year college isn’t for each kid at JHS.”
Michaud noted that many trade jobs pay well, require less preparation time than four-year programs, and are “a great option for kids to stay here in Montana rather that have to leave Montana to go get experience with the possibility of coming home later in life.”
The trade fair was as valuable for vendors as it was for students, he said.
“Networking was one of the most important components of this fair,” Michaud wrote. “These contractors are having trouble finding good help. We have several students that I know of line up possible summer employment.”
Next year’s trade fair is already scheduled for April 8, 2020. Michaud invited vendors to email him at joe.michaud@jhs.k12.mt.us to reserve a spot.
“This was our first go-around with this fair and we only hope to grow,” he wrote.
