The Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio is offering “An E for Me Opportunity Fair” for high school students in the first ring school districts this month. This virtual fair will focus on education and training, employment, and enlistment and service careers. It was created by the Career Readiness Taskforce of the First Ring Schools Collaborative. There are more than 400 students registered to participate.
There are three separate sessions during the month of March, each running from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. with a parent overview session from noon until 12:30 p.m.
The first session begins on March 16 with a focus on Education and Training. Romona Robinson, TV journalist and motivational speaker, will talk on “Building Communication Skills to Aid in Career Development.” Then, Youth Opportunities Unlimited will give a lecture on “Resume Writing Skills and Earning Credentials.” Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) representatives will review educational training opportunities and give an overview of their campus. Finally, Amy Harker, Career and Innovation Specialist for ESC of Northeast Ohio will give an explanation of the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal.
The next session is on March 23 and covers the idea of Employment. Ken Hannaman, the Division Vice President of Arby’s will talk about the journey from entry-level to VP and why early employment opportunities begin to build your resume. Then, Rich Thoma, Area Supervisor for Inspired Brands (a multi-brand restaurant company) along with Hiring Manager for Cedar Point, Kim Francesangelo will talk about interviewing skills and tips. Following these speakers, there will be 12 businesses available to discuss summer opportunities for employment. Attendees should bring their digital resumes and be prepared for interview opportunities to follow an employment discussion.
Companies that will be hiring include:
· Arby’s
· Burger King
· Burlington Stores
· Cedar Point
· CVS Health
· Dominion Energy
· Dunkin Donuts
· Fast Track
· FedEx
· GetGo
· Giant Eagle
· Home Depot
· Lowe’s
· McDonald’s
· Orlando Baking Company
· RTA
· Speedway
· Target
· YMCA
During this session, in particular, there will be a drawing for 30 students to meet with Jimmy Malone, radio personality with iHeart Radio, after the event to participate in a mentoring opportunity.
The final session will take place on March 30 and cover the topic of Enlistment and Service Careers. The event begins with a service career panel discussion with Cleveland EMS, firefighters, police, Ohio Highway Patrol, and the Cuyahoga County Sheriff. A discussion will follow about the Department of Defense’s ASVAB Career Exploration Assessment. Also included in this session is a military panel discussion with the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy. Finally, there will be information about the Military Enlistment Seal and Military Options for graduation requirements.