Students could signup to hear from more than 60 four-year colleges and universities, careers in the military, and several opportunities in the trades and medical professions.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Students had a buffet of post-high school options to choose from Thursday during Quakertown Community High School’s College and Career Fair, and they appeared hungry for the opportunities.
“They were attentive, and no one was on their cell phones,” said Nahfees M. Akbar, admissions associate for Williamson College of the Trades. “They certainly had an interest.”
Savings presentation for post high school education
The wide array of options included more than 60 four-year colleges and universities, careers in the military, and several opportunities in the trades and medical professions. For example, students were able to hear from Bracalante Manufacturing, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Williamson, and an electrical lineman apprenticeship.
There was also small business development (entrepreneurship), St. Luke’s School of Nursing, careers working with children in the community, pharmaceutical careers, and barber training.
“We wanted to have something for everybody,” said Eric Gozzard, the school counselor who set up Thursday’s event. “It’s important for students to start engaging in the process of what they’ll be doing for the rest of their lives. Maybe today put something on the radar that they haven’t thought of before.”
George Banas, a coordinator with the school’s Career Pathways program, said “today is about making sure the kids are looking at all the options out there.” For decades, he said, going to college was the way “to qualify for the highest-paying jobs. Today, that’s not always the case. It’s almost reversed. Trades are in such high demand.”
In past years, QCHS held the College and Career Fair in the gymnasium. Because of COVID, it’s been relegated to an online option. This year, Mr. Gozzard said, when the planning began in the fall, “no one was certain where COVID would be today, and having 500 people in the gym might not be such a good idea.” So it was moved into a classroom setting.
“It worked out very well,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner said, praising the efforts of Mr. Gozzard, teachers, staff, and secretaries for their effective work. “It’s a more intimate environment, which allows for a deeper understanding of what an institution or employer can offer. I’m hearing a lot of great feedback.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].