1,500 students attend first ‘Chart Your Future Expo’

Stafford County Public Schools held the inaugural Chart Your Future Expo on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. 

The event hosted more than 1,500 seniors and post-graduate students from all five high schools in Stafford County, the Phoenix Center, Project SEARCH, as well as the school system’s separate public and private day schools. 

The event featured content sessions led by industry experts as well as one-on-one interactions with colleges, universities, major employers, and military branches. Stafford students also attended personalized breakout sessions during the event based on an interest survey each completed.

“Our mission is to inspire and empower students so that they are prepared to excel,” said Dr. Thomas W. Taylor, Stafford Schools Superintendent. “Chart Your Future was an opportunity for our region to explore career and enlistment opportunities, as well as meet with local colleges and universities.”

More than 80 local community and business leaders connected directly with students to answer questions about their profession and to offer advice on the required training and skills necessary for their future career choices. 

As the economy has stalled, many businesses have found it more difficult to recruit new employees. 

David Nelson, a recruiter for electrical firm MC Dean, said events like today’s are crucial in his efforts to attract new talent because, over the past 30 years, public schools have focused more on preparing children for college while ignoring the trades. 

“They’re still that stigma of all the trade, that you’re not going to make a lot of money, and that’s absolutely false. Most of our first-year apprentices are making between $30,000 and $40,000 a year. Most of our licensed electricians are making between $65,000 and $75,000 a year, and that’s after a four-year commitment. I think that’s pretty good money,” said Nelson.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) serving Quantico Marine Corps Base has about 100 jobs to fill, at places like the base exchange, golf course, child development center, and health clinic, to name a few. 

Federal jobs require a background that can take as long as six months, which can be frustrating for those who are seeking work immediately. The HR department at MCCS keeps in close contact with potential employees during the background check process, while recruiters continue to attend hiring events to fill the pipeline with new candidates. 

“It’s spreading the word,” said Sierra Dent, the director of the School Aid Center at Quantico Marine Corps Base. “Of course, you have information online, but especially with young people, I feel like they interact better when you’re actually engaging with them and then give them hands-on information.” 

Exhibitors offered students the opportunity to apply for jobs, internships, military service, or college while at their booth.

After returning to school, Stafford seniors completed and provided their school counselors with a card detailing their plans for life after high school.

“We want to make sure that every student is set up for success,” said Dr. Taylor. “Our counselors will use these cards to help students apply for jobs, complete financial aid information, select service options, or simply begin the discussion surrounding ‘What comes next?'”

Regional high school students were invited to attend the exhibitor portion of the event from 2-6 p.m.

“Every student and their family should have the opportunity to prepare and plan for their child’s future,” said Dr. Taylor. “I am thrilled that we were able to offer the opportunity for our neighbors to attend and meet with so many community leaders, partners, and educators at the free event.”