About 1000 high schools students got a chance to venture into a world of careers at today’s Career Expo at Columbus Technical College. NBC 38’s Maria Jones explains how discovering a career path early on can really make a difference. Choosing a career path and planning for the future was the task for many students in Muscogee, Harris, and other surrounding counties. The target group is 8th and 9th graders. CTC Operations Director, Tommy Wilson said, “Well we want to make sure that we target that group because you know we don’t want to kind of loose the students in that transition period. So as they choose a career that the career path is laid out for them.” A professional path is the main objective in Mr. Hall’s Career Education Class at East Columbus Magnet Academy. Johnathan Hall added, “You have to have a plan in place. Typically I start talking to these young people in the sixth grade, all the way through sixth, seventh, and eighth and then by eight grade you have to have a specific plan in place so that they can go to high school and follow their career path.” And students are being taught how to prepare mentally and physically not forgetting their appearance. 8th Grader, Jaquan Sanks told News 38, “My coach came running saying dress up were going to do a career thing, so I came out to represent and look presentable.” Making that decision may be a tough decision for some students but 16-year-old Jordan High School Student Kurt Russell is well on his way. He already works with Southern Rewinding building motors, and pumps. Shannon Price, of Southern Rewinding Company stated, “It’s been great having somebody like him, he’s young he’s energetic, he’s eager to learn he does what ever you need him to do.” 10th Grader, Kurt Russell added, “I like it and it’s a good career for me.” And 8th Grade Chattahoochee High Student, Latrese Hubbard says she cooks at home with her mom and wants to enter the culinary field. “The stuff I’ve been doing at home, I think, I feel I can do this too,” Latrese said.

Employers and Educators at today’s Career Expo say it’s important to give students an opportunity to choose their career and this allows them to get up close and personal. Today about 1-thousand students got a chance to talk to professionals in many fields, like culinary, engineering, technology, heavy equipment and law enforcement. Price concluded by saying, “My daddy told me when I was younger than him, I need to start thinking about my future and it’s never too early.” For WLTZ NBC 38, I’m Maria Jones. About sixty companies attended today’s Career Expo from Columbus and Ft. Benning.