CTE job fair draws 42 employers, hundreds of students; CTE signing day set for April 30

Culpeper County Public Schools’ career and technical education (CTE) programs hosted a skills showcase and job fair that district staff said drew 42 businesses, more than 100 industry professionals and roughly 350 students.

Workforce coordinator Sean Summerscales told the school board the spring events — which included in-class resume workshops and a CTEC skills showcase — led to concrete employment outcomes: instructors and employers offered part-time and full-time jobs, internships and other pathways for students. Summerscales said the electrical program alone had job opportunities for every student who wanted one; about 25% of juniors in that class already had part-time offers and one junior secured an internship.

The district organized three pre-event resume workshops and provided students with guidance packets describing how to research employers, prepare an elevator pitch, and follow up after meetings. Staff also distributed employer folders describing all CTE programs so businesses could identify additional potential hires outside their sector. The district directed employers and students to Wink, the local job board, to centralize follow-up application information.

Ainsley Cockrell, the district’s work-based learning coordinator, helped run the resume workshops and said staff visited classrooms to support students before the job fair. Summerscales said the public-safety room at the fair brought agencies from across the region together and that Fairfax County Fire and Rescue had praised the district’s firefighting program and instructors.

Superintendent Dr. Bridal and several school board members praised the events for expanding students’ career options and strengthening community partnerships. The board was asked to “save the date” of April 30 for CTE signing day, when students will formally sign intent to enroll in training programs, enlist in the military, or accept employment after graduation.

Board members and staff described the events as a coordinated effort involving CCTE instructors, counselors, administrators, and local employers that produced immediate job leads and stronger industry connections for students.

Ending The district plans to continue employer outreach and to replicate the job fair model; staff asked the board to note CTE signing day on April 30 as a culminating celebration of student placements.