NewsStudents look forward to Career FairBy Diane Vance/Gate City Staff WriterKeokuk High School's third annual Career Fair will have more variety of professions and jobs represented, according to KHS business teacher Pam Strong and school nurse and health occupations instructor Jessica Koehler, both members of the committee planning the fair.
“It's getting bigger each year,” said Strong. “The Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce is on board this year.” The high school career fair is from 8:15 to 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Keokuk High School. Invited business people are assigned to classrooms. Students, freshmen through seniors, rotate to different classes and speakers, having the opportunity to listen to three different speakers and one period to visit the fieldhouse. Several colleges and military representatives will be set up in the gym with information booths. “The chamber also is sponsoring a Keokuk booth,” said Strong. “Katie (O'Brien, executive director) will have information about the quality of life in our area. She plans to highlight the good jobs available for students right out of high school and for those who graduate from college. We're hoping to have more graduates stay in Keokuk. “Some of the attractions of staying here include the new aquatic center and the Rand Park performance pavilion being built. Southeastern Community College has better, updated equipment, the Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities, there's a variety of sports and we can enjoy four seasons here. People can afford homes here. Also, graduates staying in the area are close to family and friends. It's easier to be involved in the community because we're a small town and yet we're close to bigger cities and cultural events in Iowa City and St. Louis. The area is known for good schools. There's a strong feeling of community here.” Keokuk Y-Net, a two-year old organization of young professionals, is working with the chamber on the Keokuk booth. The committee planning the Career Fair has asked students for feedback after the previous fairs. “The kids really love the Career Fair,” said Strong. “My students have been talking about it for a few weeks. The surveys rate a lot of the features highly. We have listened to the comments and worked to get more four-year colleges here. “The three regent universities are scheduled to be here this year.” Iowa's three regent schools include the University of Iowa, Iowa City; Iowa State University, Ames; and University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. “We have some new speakers for the previous occupations scheduled and some new occupations added this year,” said Strong. “Our big feature outside this year will be Lee County EMS, the fire department and McDowell Construction of Keokuk, unless they are too busy.” Koehler said the community has been willing to help. “We've called businesses and asked for a speaker to come and they say, sure,” she said. “The community response has been great.” Nine local businesses will have employer booths in Wright Fieldhouse: Taske Force, Montebello Health Care Center, Iowa @ Work, Iowa Workforce Development, Wal-Mart Super Center, Keokuk Area Hospital, Roquette America, H-Vee and Lee County Economic Development Group. A representative from vocational rehabilitation and one from the Educational Opportunity Center will attend. Occupations scheduled at this year's Career Fair include: Health sciences Forensics/chemistry Mortician Respiratory therapy Optometrist Physician Radiology Midwife and nurse practitioner Registered nurse Veterinarian Emergency medical service Massage therapist Dentist Dietitian Chiropractor Occupational therapy assistant Physical therapy and rehabilitation care Natural resources Agriculture Department of Natural Resources, park ranger Fire science Pet groomer Family and human service Law enforcement Education Ministry Cosmetology Chef Lawyer Arts and communication TV broadcasting Meteorology Author Radio broadcasting Photography Drama Dance Tattoo artist Professional athlete Floral arrangement Business, information and marketing Accounting Human resources, interviewing and applications Jewelry beading business Golf course business Burlington Bees marketing Fashion merchandising Flight attendant Engineering, industrial and technology Design engineer Mechanical engineer Auto mechanics and body work Welding Drafting CNC machining Electronics Truck driving Heavy equipment operator Pyrotechnics - fireworks Construction Colleges and schools scheduled to be represented at this year's Career Fair are: AIB College of Business Culver-Stockton College Dayton Hair Design Drake University Hannibal-LaGrange College Indian Hills Community College Iowa Wesleyan College Southeastern Community College Truman State University Western Illinois University Iowa's three regent schools universities. Copyright © 2010 - Daily Gate City
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