Clinton County's Career Exploration Fair Inspires Local High School Students

Over 500 high school students from six different schools packed the Career Exploration Fair in Clinton County this year, ready to discover the future waiting for them just around the corner. For these 10th to 12th graders, it was a hands-on exploration into real careers that make Clinton County thrive, spanning agriculture, aviation, banking, insurance, education, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors—First State Bank, Great Oaks Career Campuses/Laurel Oaks, Hood Packaging Corporation, Nutrien Ag Solutions, OhioMeansJobs Clinton County, and Sams Meats—this event was an incredible success for students, educators, and businesses alike. Clinton County is excited to continue building these relationships, fostering a bright future for all.

Unlike traditional career fairs, this event provided students with practical, interactive exposure to some of the county's most vital industries, with the overarching goal of strengthening Clinton County's talent pipeline for years to come.

Bringing Opportunity and Insight to Local Students

Hosted by the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative, an initiative of the Clinton County Port Authority, OhioMeansJobs Clinton County, the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, and the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, this event featured 33 employers and training providers who connected with students, offering everything from real-world job insights to practical career advice. Local businesses were eager to showcase their work environments, educate students on in-demand skills, and provide a glimpse into what these fields can offer them.

One employer shared a memorable moment that underscored the fair's impact: "A young man, just 15 years old, came to our table asking where he could find a job. He had so many questions, and we gladly answered them, encouraging him to look into certifications at Laurel Oaks [the Clinton County location of Great Oaks Career Campuses]. He left with practical next steps, a boost in confidence, and a smile." This personalized experience is precisely what the fair is about—showing students that support is here for every step of their career journey.

Community Connections That Go Beyond the Fair

Another story that captured hearts came from Hood Packaging Corporation, whose representative recounted meeting a student excited to visit their booth, inspired by his family legacy within the company. His grandfather had worked for Hood for 45 years, and his father was currently employed there for the past 17 years.

These connections offered him a glimpse into the future he could have in Clinton County—a future anchored in community. For the Port Authority, this event is one step toward building stronger relationships with the young people of Clinton County and sparking early interest in industries that need talented people.

Educators Help Prepare Students to Seize New Career Paths

Educators also took away valuable experiences, including how one teacher used the Workforce Collaborative's career curriculum to help students create an elevator pitch. During the event, this exercise came to life as students met employers and saw how effectively a well-prepared pitch could communicate their strengths and interests. In one notable instance, a teacher shared that a hesitant student gained newfound confidence after speaking with a local airplane captain, paving the way for him to engage enthusiastically with other companies at the fair.

Several students gravitated toward specific fields based on their interactive experiences, whether learning about lockout/tag-out electrical procedures with LGSTX or exploring career opportunities in aviation. In one instance, a student excitedly noted the pay scale and training pathways available for electricians. Additionally, others were intrigued by Clinton Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Center booth and its hands-on displays, sparking interest in healthcare careers.

A Community Invested in Tomorrow's Workforce

As Clinton County continues to focus on workforce development, events like the Career Exploration Fair are essential. These events open students' eyes to local career opportunities—they show them the steps they can take to achieve their goals.

Looking ahead to the May countywide Job & Community Resource Fair, Clinton County is more committed than ever to building and strengthening its talent pipeline, creating a vibrant community where tomorrow's workforce is supported and inspired from the start.

Clinton County Port Authority

For businesses seeking growth and new opportunities, the Clinton County Port Authority is the first stop, offering support for expansion into Clinton County or local business development. Clinton County, Ohio, located at the heart of major transportation corridors, provides an ideal location for industries ranging from transportation and logistics to aerospace and manufacturing. With easy interstate access, the Wilmington Air Park, and a skilled talent pool nearby, Clinton County fosters a thriving environment where industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and aeronautics interact and excel.

The Clinton County Port Authority is here to help your local business grow to meet the needs of residents. Please contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!