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Students attend Adams County career fair

Contributed by: Jeanette McMurtry on 11/16/2007

Nearly 5,000 8th graders took the Denver Merchandise Mart by storm this week at the Adams County Commissioners' Career Expo. Sponsored by the Board of Adams County Commissioners, this model event, which took place on November 13, is the single largest career expo organized in the state to bring business and education together in support of the futures of young people.

Students from five county school districts came prepared with the results of their individual career assessments, and agendas to meet with businesses that fit their profiles. Some came dressed in suits and ties or skirts and heels to meet potential employers, and ask questions.

"I visited the travel and hospitality booths mostly and asked them what experience I have to get to work for them, what qualifications I need, and how to get a job," said T.J. Baldassare, one of the students from Crown Pointe Academy.

Crown Pointe's guidance counselor Kari Knutson spent hours with her 8th graders preparing them for the day, helping them prepare an agenda for their 90 minutes with Colorado employers, practice asking questions, and presenting themselves as job candidates.

"This is their first introduction to their future," said Knutson, "and many of our students took this very seriously. This event is a great way to help prepare them for the real world which isn't that far away for middle schoolers."

Beyond the exhibits which gave students a hands-on introduction to process management, health care, hazard material management, brick laying (with frosting as mortar), and plant care to name a few, students could meet with members of the Adams County Economic Development (ACED) to learn how to start a business of their own.

"We were very impressed with the number of kids that wanted to talk with us about entrepreneurship," says Bill Becker, president of ACED. "Experiencing these students' enthusiasm, hearing about their dreams, and watching them light up as we talk about the possibilities makes us very confident about this generation of Colorado's workforce."

In addition to area employers, representatives from area high schools and higher education providers were also there to answer student questions about qualifications for acceptance and program length. College Invest and College in Colorado were there providing advice about college funding and work demonstration portfolios to inquisitive students.

This event was hosted by the Adams County Commissioners, W. R. "Skip" Fischer, Alice Nichol and Larry Pace. Their goal was to provide an event that would inspire students with ideas for their future, and introduce businesses to future job candidates.

Adams County is projected to be the state's fastest growing county over the next 20 years, which means there will be more opportunities for students to pursue rewarding and fulfilling local careers.

Both Pace and Nichol built careers in education, Pace as a middle school teacher in Adams County for 33 years; Nichol as a school secretary in Adams County as well. As a result, they along with Fisher are committed to further educational opportunities for county students and creating long-term careers here at home through economic development activities.

Adams County Education Consortium organized the day long event as part of their mission to further education and workforce development. Executive Director Sandy Steiner commented:

"This event demonstrates the commitment the community has to the future of these young people. For students looking to make the most of high school and beyond, this is a critical planning time. Anyone who thinks these young people are too young to conduct an intelligent conversation about their futures hasn't met the students who attend this event."

This year's event drew a record 112 business and education vendors and 4700 students, up from 900 when the Career Expo debuted in 2005.

"A big thanks to the Denver Merchandise Mart for providing the space for this annual event, RTD for providing logistics assistance and the Adams County Sheriff's Department for providing security," said Steiner. "This truly was a community event in every way."

About the Adams County Education Consortium
The Adams County Education Consortium organizes the Adams County Commissioners' Career Expo. The Adams County Education Consortium is the first regional, public-private partnership formed in Colorado with the mission of closing the growing gap between education and business. ACEC is actively working to enhance personalized academic skill development, professional exploration and relevant work-ready skills for all learners in Adams County. In June 2005, the superintendents of Adams 50, 12, 14, District 27J, and Mapleton 1, as well as, the presidents of Front Range Community College, Community College of Aurora, Ft. Morgan Community College, the Workforce & Business Center, local business community and ACED formed the Adams County Education Consortium (ACEC).


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