Career Showcase to connect students, employers

PORT CLINTON - In just over a week, hundreds of local high school students from throughout Ottawa County will get a chance to engage firsthand with dozens of potential future employers.

On Oct. 5, the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council is hosting its fifth annual Ottawa County Career Showcase at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry near Port Clinton.

“It is a way for us to showcase businesses, showcase what they do in the community and attract young talent to their industry sectors,” said Gaye Winterfield, of the Ottawa County Improvement Corp. “We have businesses come in and do an interactive activity with the ninth grade students for the day.”

All six school districts in Ottawa County will be participating in the event, each sending their ninth grade classes, meaning businesses interact with hundreds of students. As of this week, 24 businesses are registered to participate in the showcase.

“Some may think ninth grade is way too young to start. I would disagree with that,” Winterfield said. “I think the younger that we can expose these kids to the opportunities that are available, it just helps them make better decisions as they get older to what their possible interests are.”

As the business and workforce development manager at the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, Winterfield said she knows many local industry businesses are facing issues with workforce development, and events like the career showcase can help.

“It’s always a fun event,” she said. “It’s a great way to get out there and showcase the opportunities that are available right here in our own community.”

For more information about the Ottawa County Career Showcase, visit the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council’s website at ocic.biz/ocbac or contact Jamie Beier Grant at 419-898-6242 or via email at jbgrant@ocic.biz.

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