Students were exposed to at least seven different career fields.
WESTFIELD – Firefighting is a career Sierra N. St. Onge might seriously consider after she graduates from Westfield High School next year.
St. Onge spent considerable time this week asking questions and gathering information from representatives of Westfield’s Fire Department during the school’s 8th annual Career Fair.
She also got a chance to try on firefighting gear and test her hand at pulling a dummy victim several feet across the gymnasium floor.
“It is real heavy,” the 17-year-old junior said of the clothing. “Very heavy and a lot of work but this is something I will consider,” said St. Onge.
WHS Career Center director Angela M. Nunes said 86 companies, agencies and organizations took part in the fair, offering information on seven different career fields.
“The purpose is to expose our students to different career fields, give them a chance to talk to those in those fields and learn what is needed, especially in the way of college courses, to qualify for these jobs,” said Nunes.
“Knowledge is power and hopefully our students walk away from this day with the knowledge of certain fields they might be interested in,” she said.
Junior Daniel D. Marco, 17, said the fair “is a great place to start before we begin seeking out college enrollment.
“Many of us have ideas about a career we might pursue but many do not. Also, some of us many change our minds after talking with people in different career fields. It is a great opportunity and it gives me the time to consider and then apply to college,” said Marco.
Hampden County Superior Court Judge Peter A. Velis, one of several representatives in law enforcement at the fair, said he was impressed by the questions “many students asked.
“The kids are not afraid to ask and I am enjoying the opportunity to talk with them. They have asked a lot of questions concerning what it is like to be judge,” Velis said.
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and state Rep. Donald F. Humason Jr., R-Westfield, represented government.
“Several kids want to go into government,” said Knapik.
Barbara A. Trant, director of Westfield’s Volunteers in Public Schools, provided information on community service and the various agencies with local offices.
“A focus in school is on community service but no one takes the time to tell students what is available in the area,” Trant said.
St. Onge said of the career fair “many of us don’t really know, right now, what we might like to do for a career. This opportunity at least gives you an idea.”