ERIN GIVENS
ESSDACK
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — ESSDACK welcomed over 5,000 students from over 75 Kansas school districts at the 7th annual Career Expo hosted at the Kansas State Fairgrounds October 29-30.
The ESSDACK Career Planning Expo is the largest college & career planning event in Kansas, showcasing career opportunities from two-year and four-year college degrees, industry certifications, apprenticeships, military opportunities, and business partners.
This year, high school students engaged with 250 exhibitors. The Expo gives businesses the opportunity to talk to students directly, address the shortage of qualified employees, and align high school expectations with industry needs.
"ESSDACK created this event to help students understand their career options after high school and the skills required for high-wage, high-demand jobs,” said Bryan Rohling, Career Expo project lead. “Unlike your typical college or job fair, we've brought employers and colleges together to inform students about all of their options, right here in Kansas."
The most popular booths had interactive, hands-on activities for students. Students were able to practice surgical procedures with Hutchinson Community College, test their strength with Kansas Army National Guard, and even get some hair tinsel from Eric Fisher Academy.
Schools were provided activities for students to complete before, during and after the event to ensure they had the best experience possible.