Career Education Fair at Concord HS shows District students variety of options after graduation

More than 1,000 students from all District high schools had the opportunity to meet with representatives from 50 organizations offering training and career opportunities during the 8th annual Career Education Fair at Concord High School on Oct. 15th. The event was organized by CHS College and Career Advisor Sheila Bergum, in partnership with MDUSD's College & Career Readiness Department, to highlight the many options that students can pursue after graduation, which don't necessarily require 4-year college degrees, but offer training, high salaries, and excellent benefits. These included unions for carpenters, electricians, plumbers, iron workers and other trades that offer apprenticeship programs; Mt. Diablo Adult Education and community colleges; the U.S. military; local law enforcement; and public services agencies.

"The purpose is to educate students on other alternative options to a four-year college education," Bergum said. "There are so many careers out there that don't necessarily require a 4-year degree as entry level possibilities." She said on-the-job training allows trades workers to earn a paycheck while they are learning new skills. The District's high school Career Pathways programs also help to expose students to a variety of career fields including healthcare, digital arts, engineering, culinary arts, and auto tech.

Students from other schools were bused to the fair and given time to browse the career booths, ask questions, and sign up for more information, along with Concord HS students. Concord HS senior Langton Akin said he enjoyed trying out welding for fun, but he was most interested in career opportunities at the Contra Costa Water District. "They have engineer jobs," he said, explaining that he plans to major in engineering at Diablo Valley College (DVC), then transfer to a UC or CSU. Senior Natalie Ahrendt, who tried walking on a beam while wearing a virtual reality mask that simulated walking across a steel beam in a high-rise building under construction, said she also appreciated the opportunity to check out all the booths. She said the hair dressing booth was cool, as well as makeup and cosmetology, but she is planning to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. Ken Miller from Iron Workers Local 378, said he likes to introduce students to the jobs available, which start at $34 per hour plus benefits for entry-level jobs and pay $62 per hour or about $110,000-$120,00 for a journeyman. A foreman can make about $140,000 per year, he said.

Concord HS senior Lorena Cardenas and her friends got to look inside a Concord Police SUV, which included reinforced windows to prevent people from breaking out. She also liked the Tesla booth and said she is considering the Tesla program or business administration at DVC after she graduates, but the Fire Department's Paramedic program also appealed to her. "I like to help people," she said. 

The MDUSD School Board heard a presentation about the District's College & Career Readiness programs, including the fair, during its Oct. 15 meeting. The District will offer a similar career fair to 8th-graders in January.