BELLE — Belle High School (BHS) hosted a career and job fair on March 22 to introduce community businesses to potential employees.

BHS Principal Garrett Haslag introduced the group and said the fair was primarily for juniors and seniors, but they open the doors to their freshmen and sophomores as well so they know what is in the area and can prepare for the career they want. The event was organized by Counselor Joyce Medlock.

An estimated 25 businesses or more were present, including Kyle Robertson, superintendent with TJ Wies Contracting in Jefferson City.

“I work on the finishing side,” said Robertson. “I’m superintendent of tape and drywall.”

Robertson’s booth was crowded with several of the students who attended classes at BHS with his son.

“This is an opportunity to better yourself without going through college,” he said. “Put your time in early through the Union. The sooner you get in, the sooner you’ll retire.”

Tanner Rush, a foreman with TJ Weis, sat with Robertson.

“Do this and you don’t have any debt and you get paid right away,” Rush said.

Ashley Harris with Legends Bank was present to represent the banking industry and promote healthy finance education.

“Not only do we offer part-time positions which is great for college students, but we also get our name out and share the importance of opening checking and savings accounts.”

Capital Academy instructor/recruiter Trevor Schneider shared about his company’s six-week training course.

“We have a six-week training course. We bring high school students into them and put them straight to work,” he said. “We have six or seven different programs and ask them to pick two then let them learn what they’ll do.”

Amy Richard with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources works in outreach.

“For us, it’s about building pipelines with students, starting relationships young and improving resources in the state of Missouri,” Richard said.

Businesses aren’t the only ones benefiting from the Career and Job Fair.

Clayton Shockley, a BHS senior, said knowing what is in his community helps him decide what he wants to do.

“It helps open up a good variety,” he said.

Myles Butler, a senior, said he appreciates the opportunity the businesses and school provide.

“It shows ups the opportunities we have after high school,” he said.

Barrett Finnegan, a junior, said he was looking further ahead, not just at a job for now.

“It helps me realize a lot of career paths are open for me,” Finnegan said.

Vienna High School students were also invited to attend the event in the afternoon.