Career specialists, local businesses showcase career paths

Students in Lexington County School District One didn’t travel far to explore a myriad of career options last month. Dozens of high schoolers participated in the annual Career Showcase at Lexington Technology Center on Friday, October 28.

Students from all five Lexington District One high schools came to the showcase to gain a comprehensive picture of the available job market. Representatives from Lexington County and South Carolina businesses spoke one-on-one with students about career fields ranging from construction to culinary arts.

“The Career Showcase broadened my horizons and showed us what careers are like outside of school,” said Gilbert High Sophomore Jordan Abney.

“It offers the opportunity to speak to our business partners and to find out exactly what career opportunities are available,” added Lexington District One Coordinator of Leadership, Curriculum and Partnerships Sherry Williams.

Lexington District One students don’t have to wait until they are in high school to learn about the job market. Williams said “career awareness” starts at the elementary level.

Students agreed a key element of the showcase was learning about the educational path they need to take for certain jobs.

“It makes me want to keep my grades up and helped me narrow down my decision,” said GHS Sophomore Darrius Bell.

Part of a layered approach to career readiness, connections made at the Career Showcase can build into job shadowing opportunities and internships with local businesses.

Students also saw how the character traits and academic proficiency they acquire in school can benefit them in future jobs.

“I realize how important they are and view my skill set in a different way,” said GHS Sophomore Xavior Bridgeford.

During the 2015–2016 school year, Lexington District One students took part in 4,361 job shadowing opportunities and 2,764 service learning opportunities and earned 1,653 professional certifications.