Henderson County Schools wrapped up its fourth annual Career Expo by bringing eighth graders and high school seniors together with dozens of employers and training programs.
The event was held Friday at First Baptist Church on Stanford Avenue in Lexington. Every eighth grader and high school senior in the county was invited.
Organizers said about 50 vendors took part, giving students a chance to hear about career paths, training options and jobs available in West Tennessee.
Angela Marshall, career and technical education director for Henderson County Schools, said the goal is to show students what is possible just a few years down the road.
Marshall told WBBJ that students need exposure to industries and workplaces where they could be employed soon, along with the chance to start making those connections now.
The expo mixed classroom learning with face-to-face conversations so students could ask practical questions about schooling, certifications and day-to-day job expectations.
County leaders have framed the gathering as part of a longer push to keep talent in the region by introducing students to local employers before they leave high school.
Parents and teachers said the format works especially well for eighth graders who are choosing high school pathways and for seniors who are months away from graduation.
School officials said they will keep refining the expo based on vendor and student feedback as the annual tradition continues.
Community readers following the story through local and national outlets will see updates as officials release more verified detail.
Sources: WBBJ; Henderson County Schools