High school students explore Worlds of Work

On Thursday, more than 2,000 high school juniors descended on Shelton State Community College to get an idea of what the future could hold after they leave school.

The students attended an extended version of the long-running Worlds of Work program with "Worlds of Work 2.0," which dealt only with high school juniors. Seniors were included in the program the previous day, where they were part of more than 400 job interviews with local businesses.

Previously, Worlds of Work dealt with eighth-grade students, giving them a look at local career opportunities. For Donny Jones, director of West Alabama Works and the chief operating officer of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, Worlds of Work 2.0 carries on the same tradition as its predecessor.

"WOW is planting a seed with them, and the idea is to work with our post-secondary staff to develop a plan while they are in school," Jones said. "Through their time in school, they are able to take the classes they need to be able to gain those skills."

Andrew Thrasher, a junior at American Christian Academy, said that although he has a fascination with engineering he would like to explore as a career, he was taken aback by how many careers were available in the area.

"There are certainly a lot of opportunities here for work," Thrasher said. "It has exceeded all of my expectations."

Fifty-eight businesses and representatives from more than 30 colleges were on hand Thursday, giving students a chance to hear from them and ask questions.

One business that was out front trying to reach out to young students was Waffle House, which has seven restaurants in Tuscaloosa. Sidnie Cunningham, hourly recruiting specialist for Waffle House, said the restaurant chain can present its own opportunities for advancement.

"A lot of people’s first jobs are with us," Cunningham said. "A lot of people don’t know we also have internships as well."

Anne Adams was one of several Shelton State students who demonstrated the respiratory therapy field, which assists people with pulmonary disease. Adams said that unlike many medical fields, respiratory therapy only requires an associate’s degree and four semesters of study as an undergraduate.

"I found out about this when I was starting out in school and love it," Adams said. "It’s a good field."

Kayla McKinstry, a junior at Hillcrest High School, said she wants to go into cosmetology so she can be a hair stylist. McKinstry, who also takes cosmetology classes at Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy, said she enjoyed the job fair.

"I’m glad I came," McKinstry said.

Jones said that during the previous day’s job interviews, there were several high school seniors who were able to get hired by companies.

"There are high school students out there who already have job opportunities now," Jones said. "What we’re seeing is a completion of a strategy that began with Worlds of Work and is now coming to fruition in Worlds of Work 2.0."

There are plans to hold another 2.0 event next spring. The next Worlds of Work event for eighth-graders will take place in October.

Reach Drew Taylor at drew.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0204.