The Kaskaskia Region Transition Planning Committee held its first Transition Resource Services and Job Fair on Friday at the Irving School building. The purpose of the fair is to give students with disabilities the chance to meet with area agencies, employers, and community college personnel.
TPC Chair Abby Clark estimates that over 200 area students attended the event.
“It’s meant to connect students with disabilities, their families, school staff with various agencies and organizations, employers, representatives from Kaskaskia College, just so they could see opportunities that are available to them in their region,” Clark said.
After having a strong reception this year, Clark is hopeful the job fair will continue to grow and draw more community involvement.
“We’ve had a really good turnout today, lots of positive feedback from parents, families, students, and all the vendors. Obviously, the vendors that are here today we’d love to see back next year. I’ve got all kinds of new vendors in mind, maybe some food trucks next year. Some other ways just to expand and involve the community, and as much advertisement as we can get to get the parents more involved would be great.”
Attendees had the chance to speak with potential employers, including Sodexo, Child and Family Connections, the Republic of Tea, United Medical Response, Centralia Regional Library District, Bryan Manor, the Army National Guard, and Pepsi Mid-America. They also got to visit the Kaskaskia College Mobile Manufacturing Lab and meet representatives from several KC departments, the Division of Rehabilitation Services, Division of Specialized Care for Children, South Central Transit, and others.
Transitional Job Fair held ag Irving School in Centralia on Friday. Photo by Austin Williams.
Duane Karrick represents Kaskaskia Workshop at the job fair. Photo by Austin Williams.
