Hononegah High School FBLA Club hosts sixth annual job and career fair

By Jean Seegers

Reporter

ROCKTON = Hononegah students had the opportunity to get a jump on business opportunities in the area, whether as a summer intern or future career during the sixth annual Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA)job and career fair on April 21.

HHS students had the opportunity to learn what is available and what is required for specific careers.

The FBLA is a club at Hononegah dedicated to developing leaders within the business community.

“Our club hopes to develop long-term relationships with local businesses to ensure that current and future students of Hononegah are prepared with the proper tools and skills needed to be successful,” Career and Technical Education Department Coordinator Jason Brunke said.

Students in Brunke’s classes are required to attend the career and job fair and to have a discussion with at least one representative from four area industries: 1. Manufacturing and Construction; 2. Health and Human Services; 3. Business, Market and Finance; and 4. Consumer Services.

Students were also required to visit a second booth that focused on the individual’s potential career or position of interest.

Booths representing 33 businesses lined the AP Room for the event. Some had jobs available and others offered shadowing opportunities.

Fuelz, a local service thatoffers placement and employment recruitment was a popular destination for many students. Fuelz is owned by Placement Specialist Andrew Reynolds. The service helps employees and employers with local hiring, offers potential employees testing and preparation for interviewing and identifying strengths.

Many students were looking for summer and part time employment. Senior Tom Eckberg was looking for a part-time job for the summer before beginning college at Notre Dame University in the fall.

“There are a lot of internship programs available. I am interested in Cutco Cutlery in Rockford,” he said.

Nicole Luepkes is a sophomore at HHS. She was looking for a summer job. “I have never had a job before. I think I would like to apply at Arbys.”

Business representatives were treated to a dinner of lasagna and dessert prior to the program. The meal was prepared by the school’s culinary class.