Frank McKnight, Principal at the Technical College High School’s Brandywine Campus, is proud to say that TCHS students are prepared for the challenges of full- and part-time employment and are “job-ready, day-one.”
Local employers – especially ones looking to fill positions – would therefore be wise to participate in TCHS Brandywine’s Second Annual Career and Training Fair, which is presented by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce and will be held on Thursday, March 1.
The fair brings industry partners and TCHS students together for a series of interviews, professional portfolio reviews, and networking opportunities. The former often benefits from the interactions as much as the latter. TCHS is pleased to have community partners Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning, Relative Care, and 3D Bodyworks provide event support.
“We have a student for every industry,” said Jen Seal, who organizes the event along with instructors Mary Duffy, Tim Gallagher, Tom Harner, Kelly Keating, Robert Kindon, and Deb Watson. “All companies have to do is show up, and they’ll be playing a big part in shaping America’s future workforce.”
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Students bring a scoring sheet to each interview, which employers use to provide feedback on interviewees’ strengths and areas needing improvement. For completed interviews, students receive a raffle ticket to try to win a donated raffle prize.
Last year, there were nearly 700 interviews conducted with approximately 300 students, mainly seniors, and more than 40 employers who had positions to fill. A number of students walked away from the event with a job offer.
One of the goals of the event is to reduce the anxiety that a lot of students experience as a result of the interview process.
“In the past, when we would bring in industry partners to conduct mock interviews, we observed that students experienced a high level of anxiety,” said Watson. “So we created this event to help take some of the anxiety out of the process by creating a fun atmosphere.”
With employers being given access to highly-qualified candidates who could potentially help their businesses grow, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Morning and afternoon sessions will be held to accommodate all of the students who attend TCHS Brandywine.
A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Click here to see the day’s agenda or for more information.
