Freshmen Take in Expansive Career Expo

Ninth graders across Fayette County Public Schools participated in the districtwide Career Expo, where they explored various job paths, chatted with professionals, and gained insights into different industries. The annual expo can spark curiosity, guide academic choices, and set freshmen on the road to success beyond the classroom. 

“It’s an awesome opportunity to see what careers are out there,” said Kadeidra Bowie, recruitment coordinator for Kentucky Utilities (KU). “Down the line they’ll remember seeing the bucket truck or talking to a lineman and thinking ‘Maybe I want to do that someday.’”

FCPS tapped into community partners and invited dozens of organizations to send representatives, interactive exhibits, heavy equipment, and work vehicles to Central Bank Center for the Nov. 20 event. The hall was divided into four sections based on theme, such as medical careers. That setup helped students make the connection with their course selections at school. Each ninth grader also had a booklet to fill out – asking questions of four exhibitors such as “How has your career changed in the past five years?” “What education beyond high school do I need for this job?” and “What type of prior experience is necessary?”

Eric Hale, principal at Bryan Station High School, praised the expo as a relevant learning experience for teens, saying, “This gives them a chance to make an informed decision about what they want to explore as they chase passions, interests, and economic opportunities.”