Ohio Means Jobs hosted its annual career fair at the UNOH Event Center on Tuesday morning.
Precious Grundy | The Lima News
LIMA — Hundreds of area students had a chance to discover potential career paths. On Tuesday morning, Ohio Means Jobs held its annual career fair at the UNOH Event Center at 1450 N. Cable Road in Lima. High school and college students were introduced to local businesses and what they offer. The event was full of local businesses seeking to hire the next generation.
“We have seen a lot of high school students and our career seekers that we help find jobs came in,” Career Consultant Angel Hartzog said. “We helped them bring copies of their résumés to pass out to employers and a lot of students were able to get professional headshots.”
The businesses were separated into categories throughout the event. Participants had the opportunity to talk with government entities and businesses, healthcare facilities, the auto and construction industry and manufacturing businesses.
“There are so many employers here and some great opportunities,” Hartzog said. “Our agency is also here as well because we are hiring — there are also students receiving an award to help pay toward their college tuition.”
Local business Smith-Boughan Mechanical, located at 777 S. Copus Road, provided information for students interested in engineering.
“We are a full-service mechanical contractor,” said Garry Tabler, vice president of business administration. “We have been around since 1927. We do a lot of pipe fabrication and sheet metal fabrication. We are in the Refinery, P&G and hospitals. We are looking for the younger generation to fill all types of positions in the office.”
Tabler said the business not only provides opportunities for welders but mechanical engineering. Tabler also said many construction workers are aging and will soon retire. He hopes more students pursue a career in manufacturing.
“The trade is a great opportunity,” Tabler said. “They have four to five-year apprenticeship programs where they learn the trade and go to to school a couple nights a week. After five years, students can make $50 an hour with no student debt. It is just a great opportunity for them to do what they want and be successful.”
For more information visit ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
