Earlier this month, eighth- and ninth-grade students from JHS had the opportunity to participate in Career Con at SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College. The annual event brings together students from school districts throughout the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery (HFM) region to explore career opportunities, connect with local employers and take part in hands-on activities.
Career Con is a collaborative effort among HFM Career and Technical Education (CTE), SUNY FMCC and the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. The interactive event is designed to introduce students to career opportunities available throughout the region and encourage them to begin thinking about their future educational and career pathways.
“Career Con is an excellent hands-on opportunity for our Johnstown students to explore career pathways at a young enough age that they can begin shaping their high school education around their interests and goals,” Johnstown Superintendent of Schools Alicia D. Koster said. “This early exposure helps students make informed choices about their courses and future opportunities while supporting our Portrait of a Johnstown Graduate vision for preparing our students for success after graduation.”
“Career Con is all about helping students see what’s possible,” said HFM Director of Workforce Development and CTE Michael DiMezza. “By introducing them to local employers and career pathways at an early age, we’re giving them an opportunity to explore their interests, ask questions and begin thinking about the opportunities available to them.”
Approximately 55 businesses and organizations participated in the event, representing all 16 nationally recognized career clusters. Students explored careers in fields such as manufacturing, public safety, construction, healthcare and business management through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and conversations with industry professionals.
DiMezza said students don’t always realize how many career opportunities are available throughout the region. “There’s opportunity here in our region. There are jobs here, there’s opportunity here and we want to show our students through Career Con.”
