Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC) recently hosted its annual Student Job Fair encompassing all eight of its districts in the Summit County area.

CVCC community liaison Nanci Coleman explained the fair’s beginnings.

“The idea of a student job fair came from our General Advisory Council, which [is] a group of business and education professionals. They thought it would be a great way to assist our district students in finding their first jobs. They felt employment at an early age was an important part of how students figure out career choices and also begin building a strong worth ethic,” Coleman said.

The free event was open to high school students and older from the Brecksville/Broadview Heights, Cuyahoga Heights, Garfield Heights, Independence, North Royalton, Nordonia Hills, Revere and Twinsburg school districts. Coleman voiced the fair’s main goal.

“[The fair’s main goal was] to connect students seeking part-time and seasonal employment with employers needing to fill open positions,” Coleman said.

Thirty-nine employers attended the fair, including representatives from Subway and FedEx Ground. According to CVCC partnership coordinator Patricia Coyne, employers looked for those who showed enthusiasm, initiative and skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and the ability to organize.

Revere district career resource specialist Kathy Dombrowski suggested that students should have prepared for the fair by researching possible employers and securing professional references.

This was the event’s eleventh year. The CVCC Student Job Fair took place on Wednesday, March 19, and was open from 3:30 to 6 P.M. CVCC will also host a College Survival Skills 101 seminar on Thursday, April 10 from 7 to 9 P.M. More information concerning the event can be found at CVCC’s website.