The gyms at Montwood High School buzzed with excitement on March 24 as more than 800 students from the Socorro Independent School District explored various job and internship opportunities and learned about different career paths at the 11th annual SISD College, Career and Job Expo.
Students in grades 10 through 12 had the opportunity to meet with professionals from a variety of fields, including recreation, food service, engineering, law enforcement, the U.S. military and media technology. For many participants, this was their first chance to speak directly with employers, ask questions about job qualifications, and even secure interviews for internships and entry-level positions.
“I think it’s pretty cool. It’s very informative,” said Erick Rangel, a senior at Eastlake High School who plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso this fall. He was considering applying for an apprenticeship with the electrical training ALLIANCE, which he learned about while speaking with a representative from El Paso Electricians JATC. The apprenticeship would also provide him with certifications in multiple disciplines.
“This would help me be more ready for engineering and have more stuff to put on my resume, like the certification,” Rangel said.
Dr. George Thomas, director for Career and Technical Education at SISD, said the district is focused on preparing students for college and careers. Many students graduate with college credits or certifications, which can lead to higher-paying jobs. He emphasized that the expo provided students with the opportunity to explore the various career and job options available to them.
“We have employers who want some (part-time) workers. We have employers who also want full-time workers, and we have some colleges and some technical programs to help advance our students’ technical skills and get them to work. So, we have a wide variety of opportunities for our kids today,” Thomas said.
This year's expo also had a strong turnout of parents supporting their students, which Thomas said was a positive trend.
Troy Lewis accompanied his son Diego Lewis, a senior at El Dorado High School, who was looking for job opportunities after graduation. They spoke to various employers, including representatives from El Paso Waterparks.
“I was interested in looking for some jobs, good paying jobs, and find something to get me off my feet and get me going in life,” Diego Lewis said.
Troy Lewis was impressed by the variety of opportunities employers at the expo offered, including programs that pay employees' college expenses.
“This is a good opportunity for the high schoolers to get them in the right direction for their future,” Troy Lewis said.