Ord Students Attend Local Job Fair
Dawn Skibinski visits with interested students at the AgLand booth during the recent Job Fair held at Ord High School.
By Kate Wolf
On Wed., March 14, 17 area businesses from Ord and Burwell crowded the new commons area and gym at Ord High School to showcase the availability of jobs for summer employment, as well as those interested in post-high school career opportunities.
Not every student is destined for college, either because of financial considerations or because they prefer to remain closer to home. Indeed, many students from small rural communities head off to college but never finish because they are uncomfortable living in larger metropolitan areas. They may feel unsafe, they miss their friends and families, as well as the secure, welcoming atmosphere of small town life. They just want to come home.
Others may complete their education, find initial jobs, get married and have children but eventually move back home because they want their kids to have the same small town upbringing they enjoyed and value.
With this in mind, and eager to ensure the future success of OHS students, school counselor Lana Kruml and Ord School Board member Dawn Skibinski, put their heads, hearts and ideas together to organize a Job Fair. From 8:30-9:30 a.m., all junior and senior students had the opportunity to visit personally with area employers regarding local career opportunities, college vs. trade school, and what type of education to seek. At 9:30 a.m., all freshman and sophomore classes had one hour free to check out available summer employment in the Ord community to begin planning for their future education and tailor their career paths accordingly.
"I have a number of students who come back after a year of college and we're trying to give them an idea of what jobs are available in our area," Kruml said. She has received a lot of positive feedback from local businesses for the Job Fair.
Ord School Board member Dawn Skibinski, who is credited with the initial idea for the Job Fair, is also very supportive of both students, as well as area employers.
"There's a labor shortage and there are plenty of opportunities to showcase jobs in our community, especially in the trades," Skibinski noted. "There are good paying jobs here," she added. "Many even offer on-the-job training."
Ord High School always graduates a lot of smart, talented, hardworking, genuinely good kids year after year. Supporting their decision to remain here or bringing them back after college to work in local businesses and become productive, involved, conscientious members of our community benefits everyone. They are our future. Thanks to all of the area businesses who participated in the job fair and for taking an active interest in the success of the next generation.
