SCCPSS job fair connects Groves High students with employers and apprenticeships

Students at Groves High School said the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System's Ready to Work Job Fair gives them direct access to employers, certifications and paid work that can lead to jobs before they graduate.

A student representing the school's logistics pathway said the event brings hiring managers to students’ "front row seat" to apply and interview. "I'm looking for better opportunities for myself," the student said. The same student described hands-on training offered in the pathway: "We learn about driving forklifts, getting certifications, learn how to go to interview with the dress, learning good words to talk, professional words ... and, just being confident when you go into an interview."

The student named several employers and agencies present at the fair, including JCB, the U.S. Army, the National Guard, firefighters, Chatham Emergency Services, Zaxby's and Chick-fil-A. The student highlighted JCB's program as a pathway that combines paid work and school: "You're learning their craft and go on to school, get you more certificates as you, go on into the apprenticeship."

District staff also stressed the school system's role as an employer. "We are one of the largest hiring employers in the county," a staff member said, noting the superintendent has prioritized hiring students and that the district will be hiring students for the summer. The staff member closed: "It's a win win opportunity for our school system and the students representing."

Students and staff described the fair as focused on both immediate hires and career pathways: short-term summer employment, industry certifications (for example, forklift operation), and connections to apprenticeship programs that allow students to work and continue classroom instruction. The remarks did not specify dates for future fairs, the total number of students who attended, or a complete list of participating employers.

For SCCPSS, Ken Slatz.