Many of the volunteers conducted mock interviews with students at the daylong event, which has become an annual tradition for the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education program. Companies, armed forces representatives, and higher-education institutions also set up exhibit tables to speak with CTE students about employment, apprenticeships, and education opportunities. Many of the students dressed professionally for the occasion, and all presented resumes to the volunteer interviewers. A team-building activity rounded out the day for students, facilitated by A. K. Smith teachers. 

“Every student I spoke with today told me that the career center has made a difference in their lives,” said Julie Krause, General Manager at Patrick’s Grille, who was on hand to conduct mock interviews with students. “They said that the experiences they are having here have kept them on track academically; they feel career-tech classes have motivated them and kept them engaged.”

Companies represented at the event included the Army National Guard, Blue Chip Casino, Bowen Center, The Color Lounge, Denmark College, Diedrich Drills, Duneland Landscape, Four Winds Casino, GAF Materials Corp., General Insurance Services, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Hair Cuttery, Horizon Bank, Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters, Indiana University Northwest, IBEW 531, Iron Workers 395, Ivy Tech, Jet Fabricators, LaPorte Community Schools, Lippert, Love Her Beauty, Michigan City Area Schools, Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police Department, Milo Enterprises, Morris Inn and Notre Dame Conference Center, Ohio Tech, Otis Worldwide, Patrick’s Catering and Events, Purdue Northwest, Ridge Napa Auto Parts, Southwestern Michigan College, Shear Madness Hair Studio, Starbucks, Sullair, Superior Ambulance, Universal Technical Institute, the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Valparaiso University, Westville High School, and Winn Machine.

The A. K. Smith Career Center serves juniors and seniors from six county high schools –  including Lacrosse, LaPorte, Michigan City, New Prairie, South Central, and Westville – and from New Buffalo High School. CTE programs provide students with dual college credits and certifications in 14 disciplines, including Automotive, Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary, Education Professions, EMT, Energy, Fire Science, Health Careers, Manufacturing, Video Production, Welding, and general Career Skills.  For more information, visit http://educateMC.net/careertech.