Eastern Kentucky University hosted the annual Madison County Business in Education Partnership (MCBEP) Career Fair with the Richmond Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14.
Nine hundred juniors from four Madison County schools attended the event, sponsored by Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass, to hear from industry leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals in their fields of interest. Heading the event was Vickie Moberly, a regional outreach agent for Madison and Estill Counties with EKU’s Office of Engagement and Regional Stewardship and chair of the MCBEP Committee.
Moberly emphasized the importance of informing students about employment options available in Madison County. She also elaborated on the many resources available at EKU, such as the Kentucky Innovation Network and Small Business Development Center. Both support and encourage entrepreneurship in an effort to produce an effective workforce in the community.
“We have a need for lots of skilled workers, and there are few around the cluster of technical jobs,” Moberly said. “Events such as MCBEP have helped provide incentive and information to high school students who may be interested in pursuing these job opportunities.”
Students from Madison Central, Madison Southern, Berea Community and Model Laboratory attended three 30-minute sessions where panelists from across the state discussed their careers. During the question-and-answer portion of each session, students were able to inquire about the environment, opportunities and skillsets associated with the careers they are interested in pursuing. Other topics such as training, employment and developmental skills associated with the respective career clusters were also discussed.
For more information on MCBEP and the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, contact Moberly at 859-200-4465.