ASHLAND — Noah Wood traded paperwork for power tools Wednesday morning.
Wood, an eighth-grade student at Ashland Middle School, was one of about 1,100 local students in attendance Wednesday morning at Destination Career Ashland County featuring JA Inspire.
The event was organized by Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio in partnership with the North Central Workforce Alliance. It took place at Ashland University’s Niss Athletic Center.
Wood said he loved the opportunity to try out different career pathways through hands-on activities. Simonson Construction Services’ booth was his favorite, he said.
“I’ve thought about a career in welding, construction or becoming an electrician,” said Wood, who is also interested in pursuing a career in farming or the military.
Josh Lehman, president of Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, said middle and high school students from Ashland, Hillsdale and Mapleton attended the event, along with a few additional school districts located outside of Ashland County.
About 1,100 students attended Wednesday’s event, he said, which marks the third year for Destination Career featuring JA Inspire in Ashland County. Around 46 employers were present.
Lehman said the event has grown substantially since the first year, which originally took place at the Ashland County Fairgrounds.
“This is not a career fair. (It’s) similar in structure, but the whole idea is we work with every business to try to come up with some kind of hands-on activity so that students can really engage and learn through doing,” Lehman said.
“We want the students through this program to understand all of the opportunities that exist and be informed so they can make a decision that is best for them. Whether it’s going to college, enlisting in the military or going straight into the workforce,” he said.
In addition to companies showcasing their career pathways, Junior Achievement also included multiple career exploration stations — showcasing how to dress for an interview, the proper handshake, how to hold a conversation, a resume race, team building activities and more.
“I want students to have all the information that they need to make an informed decision that will help them thrive in life,” Lehman said.
Below are photos from the Destination Career Ashland County featuring JA Inspire event Wednesday at Ashland University’s Niss Athletic Center. (Credit: Hayden Gray)
