Career Readiness Program to Offer Career Expo to Area High School Students and Local Businesses

Carroll OH: The Fairfield 33 Alliance’s Career Readiness Program will host a Career Expo from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on March 19, 2026, at the Fairfield County Workforce Center, 4465 Coonpath Rd. NW, Carroll, OH 43112. The Expo will be open to 11^th and 12^th grade students interested in pursuing employment.

Students will have the chance to connect with dozens of local businesses and explore career opportunities offered throughout Fairfield County. Businesses representing skilled trades, manufacturing, logistics, sales and service, and healthcare will be in attendance. Some of these businesses include Westerman Inc., Claypool Electric, Fairfield Medical Center, Cirba Solutions, Company Wrench and area banks, restaurants and outdoor recreation outlets. Nearly all businesses have positions available, and many employers are willing to train employees in the careers represented.  

The Career Readiness Program, in partnership with local businesses and school districts, helps students earn an endorsement that proves they are ready to embark on a career. The goal of the program is to help students enter the workforce while helping businesses fill the gap for in-demand jobs locally.

"The Career Expo is an exploratory event that allows students from Fairfield County high schools the opportunity to see and explore the career options available to them throughout Fairfield County and their local communities,” said Karie Stone, Workforce Specialist. “It is a great way for these young adults and employers to network with one another in a win-win situation. This annual event fills up every year and results in great jobs for great students with local employers.”

“What we are offering here is an opportunity for businesses and students to meet their needs simultaneously while also getting to interact with one another face-to-face – something that is becoming more valued in our increasingly virtual world,” said Rick Szabrak, Fairfield County Economic and Workforce Development Director. “This is an amazing opportunity for students to meet with more than 60 local employers to learn about jobs and companies they aren’t familiar with. It allows students and business to interact with one another and to identify employment opportunities in real time, giving students an idea of what they are and are not interested in pursuing post-graduation while helping businesses hire only serious candidates because both parties have had a preview of the working relationship.”

Businesses that are interested in the event can contact Tia Arnold at tia.arnold@fairfieldcountyohio.gov by Friday, March 13. Priority will be given to Career Readiness business partners and businesses offering full-time positions with good starting pay and an identified career path. Students can learn more at Fairfield33.com/Career-Readiness.