A career fair was held in the new gym on March 29.

The fair was hosted by Industrial Arts teacher Don McKee.

“The fair was designed to get kids to explore different career opportunities, whether that is a 4-year degree, an associates degree or straight from school to work,” McKee said.

There were 32 local business owners and employees set up at different tables around the new gym so students could walk around and visit each one.

“They talked to the students about what they look for as well as positions they are hiring for,” McKee said.

Students had the chance to go down to the new gym during their morning classes and explore different career opportunities.

“I think it was a great opportunity for us to experience this because a lot of this stuff I wouldn’t normally look for on my own, so it gave me the chance to see what different businesses had to offer,” junior Ryan Hoffschneider said.

Some of the business owners and employees were alumni from Pius X.

“I think the career fair is a great thing to help young people understand the real need of laborers we need in the field from construction to small businesses,” Herb Reese, president of Reese Construction and Pius X alumni, said. “This is a great place to learn what’s out there for students and it’s important for them to understand that there is a place and a need for them.”

Willmar Electric recruiter Jill Baker shared her thoughts on the career fair as well.

“I think it’s awesome because we had a lot of kids stop by,” Baker said. “Freshmen don’t have any idea of what they want to do so it gave me the opportunity to tell them all the different things we do.”

Other employees and business owners were excited to talk to the students.

“We have been really grateful for the engaged students; I think it’s a real opportunity for business owners and businesses in the local area to come and see the next generation of labor,” Lincoln Independent Business Association member Jack Russell said. “It’s the number one concern that we hear from our members that are business owners that they need skilled, talented workers and so this was a great place to come and get that access.”

Students were able to expand their knowledge of career choices and learn that there are other opportunities outside of school than just 4-year colleges.

“I feel like it was a good way to teach kids that they don’t have to go to a 4-year school and that there are other opportunities for them,” junior Javier Gomez said.

Many of the local businesses had similar things to say about the fair.

“I think it’s a really good thing for the students here to be able to see what opportunities are out there whether that be a 4-year degree or starting a position and going directly into one of the trades,” Kidwell Senior Project Manager Craig Jakub said.