Connecting Students and Employers

Career ChoICE Platinum Sponsors

• Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®)
• The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region
• PATHS 
• Sovah Health
• IALR
• The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
• Goodyear
• The J.T.-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust
• Valley Star Credit Union
• The City of Danville
• The Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex

Inside the Career ChoICE Events

Through the Career ChoICE Youth Expo, students IMAGINE their potential, CONNECT with employers and EXPLORE career possibilities. Career ChoICE connects students to regional employment information and employers through hands-on activities, a comprehensive printed career guide customized for the region and virtual resources.

“This event is about giving students a real feel for different career paths through hands-on experiences. We want them to actively engage with employers, ask questions and truly explore what each field has to offer.” – Jessie Vernon, Director, Employer Engagement & Experiential Learning, IALR

The events are organized into several zones, each featuring employers offering interactive, hands-on activities. Students move through the zones, engaging with the employers that interest them most. The activities included:

• Virtual reality games
• Heavy equipment simulators
• Hands-only CPR instruction
• Tours of the back of an ambulance
• CNC Machining tests
• Jobs with utility providers

“We want our students to have as many pathways as possible. I don’t want young people to think they’re pigeonholed into a certain occupation. Young people need to be able to dream and have vision. That’s why Martinsville City Schools brings our students to the Career ChoICE Youth Expo every year.” – Zebedee Talley Jr., Ed.D., Superintendent, Martinsville City Schools

Students are also provided with a comprehensive booklet full of resources. It includes career assessments, key questions to ask employers, tips for evaluating job opportunities, career readiness skills to build and profiles of young professionals from the community, among other valuable content.

The Career ChoICE Youth Expo goes beyond simply introducing students to potential career paths. It highlights the wide range and quality of opportunities available in Southern Virginia and shows students the steps needed to pursue them. This event, along with other initiatives led by IALR’s Advanced Learning division, is part of a systematic effort to connect students with careers and build a talent pipeline for key sectors that align with regional economic development goals. 

At the Career Expo West in Chatham, around 70 stations represented the Virginia Department of Education’s 17 career clusters. These included STEM, business management, health sciences, law and public safety, manufacturing, transportation and more.

“We want students to gain a deeper understanding of the career opportunities available right here in Southern Virginia. The Career ChoICE Youth Expo allows them to experience these career options firsthand, ask questions, and engage with professionals, making it much more impactful than just hearing about it.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

For the middle school students who participate, the event is more about career awareness – learning about what opportunities exist. The Career Expo can help connect high school students to available educational opportunities and nearby employers.

Educational institutions also play a crucial role in inspiring students. Representatives from four-year colleges, universities, and workforce training programs, including the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, Sovah School of Health, Danville Community College (DCC), Averett University, Ferrum College and Patrick & Henry Community College, showcased diverse pathways for continuing education.

The 11th annual Career ChoICE Youth Expo engaged thousands of students with hands-on experiences and direct access to Southern Virginia’s diverse career opportunities. By connecting students with employers, educators, and training programs, the Career Expo helps bridge the gap between education and the workforce, developing a future-ready talent pool for the region.

“This event is about creating a tangible connection between students and their potential futures. It helps students understand the wide variety of career options available to them and gives employers a chance to invest in their future workforce by inspiring them firsthand.” – Jessie Vernon, Director, Employer Engagement & Experiential Learning, IALR

Benefits of the Expo for Students:

• Direct interaction with employers offering hands-on activities.
• Exposure to diverse career fields aligned with regional employment opportunities.
• Guidance on career readiness skills and pathways to local careers.
• Insight into educational options through institutions like DCC, Averett University and workforce training programs.

Benefits of the Expo for Employers:

• Opportunity to engage with and inspire future employees.
• Direct involvement in building the regional talent pipeline.
• A platform to showcase the quality and variety of local career paths.
• Access to students who are actively exploring future career opportunities.

This year’s Career Expo events strengthened the connections between educational providers, local employers and students, helping to ensure a bright future for the workforce in Virginia.