By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Several career opportunities for Union City Middle School 8th graders to consider were on display in living color.
Students from UCMS enjoyed a day-long field trip as interested parties to the third annual P2P (Pathways 2 Possibilities) West Tennessee Career Expo in Ripley.
They all got a first-hand look at “what’s out there,” according to Vice Principal Cole McAdams.
“There was such a wide variety of options for our students to see,” McAdams said. “A number of corporations and businesses had demonstrations, and their representatives were able to answer any and all questions from our kids.
“They got to see all the working parts of several industries. I do believe it made them consider some options they had not previously thought about. The organizers did a fantastic job of showcasing the many opportunities out there for our young people to consider.”
Approximately 3,000 students from across West Tennessee attended the day-long event that was sponsored by the Tipton County Community & Workforce and Development Agency. HTL Advantage – a three-county industrial development organization representing Haywood, Tipton, and Lauderdale counties – hosted the opportunity at the Ripley Power & Light Building.
In all, around 90 professional exhibitors showcased their businesses/companies.
Public and private school students from Obion, Gibson, Crockett, Dyer, Fayette, Haywood, Tipton, Lauderdale Hardeman, and Shelby counties were among those in attendance.
UC School System Career Counselor Lisa Carson said the experience was invaluable for the large UCMS contingent.
“The purpose of the event was for students to take the first steps in thinking about making decisions and planning for his or her career future,” she said. “Students were provided an opportunity to explore and engage with professionals while gaining insight into what their career future might look like.
“As our 8th graders prepare to enter high school, we are encouraging them to be more proactive in their post-secondary planning through extensive career exploration exposure such as P2P.”
A half-dozen UC Middle School teachers served as chaperones, along with McAdams, Carson, and UC Schools psychologist Christie Rodgers.