Community Corner
Career Fair to Expose Students to Technology Industry
High school grad says the high school's annual construction and technology expo helped him find his way.
When Anthony Perone attended the Southington High School's Construction and Technology Expo three years ago, he had no idea what field he wanted to go into. He wasn't interested in traditional college, but wasn't sure about his options.
He met Southington Tool and Manufacturing Company President Edward Kalat at the expo, joined the company in February of 2009 and now he's enjoying his work within the CNC wire forming.
Perone will join about 15 local technology-based businesses participating in the career fair next month, exposing parents and students to the varied job opportunities within different tech industries.
"I had no idea what I wanted to do as a senior, I had no major goals," Perone said. "It definitely helped after I went to the job fair, which is why I go and speak; to give kids the same opportunity."
Southington High School Technology Department Chairman Justin Mirante said most parents and kids are surprised not only about the different kinds of jobs, but the quality of work and pay that's offered within technology and manufacturing fields.
For example, Perone works in a division creating surgical stints for heart valves.
"Times have changed, where manufacturing used to be dirty and dangerous but after OSHA it's quite the opposite," Mirante said. "We encourage students to come, but also the parents, so they can become aware of the great jobs out there and be supportive."
In its third year, the expo allows businesses like Network Interiors to promote their businesses and their trade as a whole to help students understand the different facets of the industry.
Mirante is trying to change the belief that every student should go off to college without knowing what they'd like to do, since so many technology jobs can be rewarding, challenging and even lucrative.
"It's just a different kind of applied intelligence, there's nothing wrong with going into a trade," Mirante said.
"It's why I hardily believe in going to career fairs like this one, and giving talks to kids, because a lot of them will not know what they want to do when they get out of school," Kalat said. "All it takes is an opportunity to expose different students to what manufacturing is all about."
