Displaying their commitment to the success of their students’ lives post-graduation, Tivy High School’s Student Job Fair brought together a variety of potential employers and resources from across the Hill Country.
“This job fair is a service we provide for our students to connect them with jobs that might be available in the community– both seasonal and career. For our kids that need a summer job or are more career-minded without a locked-down plan, places like James Avery and Killdeer have entry-level positions,” said Missy Van Hoozer, Tivy High School’s lead counselor.
Tivy’s curriculum offerings allows students to find their paths after graduation, whether that is higher education, entering the workforce, or joining the military. Tivy’s dedication to students’ success after graduation is represented through the acronym C.C.M.R.
“College Career Military Readiness. It basically says that when students leave high school, they’ll have a plan for their future–that plan might change–but they will have a plan. We try to provide any kind of opportunity that we can for students to meet with recruiters,” said Van Hoozer.
The job fair brought a variety of industries together, with employers from medical, law enforcement, and manufacturing fields among others. High school students of any grade were welcomed to attend, with employers focusing their recruiting efforts on juniors and seniors interested in the workforce.
“There’s some students that aren’t going to go to trade school or college, and they’re going to need some opportunities here in town. James Avery is a perfect example of that because they can go straight to work in the jewelry manufacturing industry,” said Van Hoozer.
James Avery offers entry-level positions with training based around manufacturing, with many of its manufacturing facilities located in and around the Hill Country.
“I always tell young people we offer any job other than medical at James Avery. I mean, engineering, accounting, payroll, design, marketing, manufacturing – all of these have entry-level positions that you can work your way up,” said James Avery recruiter, Susan Rogers.
For students unsure of their plans post-graduation due to barriers like financials, Workforce Solutions’ Youth Empowerment Services program gives students the training and experience they need for successful careers.
“We help young adults, ages 14 to 21 that are in school, get into careers and long-term employment so that they can be self-sustaining,” said YES! representative Cristi Johnson.
For eligible youth, the YES! program acts as a stepping stone between high school and successful careers, providing their services at no-cost.
“Through federal funding, we can provide training, certification, and experience with local businesses in a variety of sectors. Once students complete a certification, they will have no student debt,” said Johnson.
Colton Asbury, a Tivy junior and JROTC cadet whose post-graduation plans are aimed at either the military or career, visited the Kerrville Police Department booth with questions regarding options after graduation.
“Right now my interests are in law enforcement. I’m going to do ride-alongs this summer with KPD and a Texas Game Warden – if I find that’s something I want to do, I’m going to enter the delayed entry program with the Air Force,” said Asbury.
For more information regarding Tivy High School’s resources for post-graduation success for its students, check out their College Career Military Readiness newsletter by visiting online at www.tivy.kerrvilleisd.net/ccmr/college-career-military-readiness