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Posted on 3.19.25
Hundreds of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools high school students were able to network and explore the job market at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Futures Fair on March 13.
This was the first year for the Futures Fair, which was designed to give students an opportunity to meet employers who are actively hiring for full-time positions. About 40 employers attended, ready to meet the more than 300 students who came from all of the district’s comprehensive high schools, as well as some specialty schools. Most of the students were seniors looking to get into the workforce, but some juniors also attended to learn about pre-apprenticeship programs.
“We are very, very excited about all the opportunities that this might bring,” said Eric Summerour, CTE Career Development Lead Coordinator and Futures Fair director. “The theme of today is ‘Meaningful Connections,’ and every employer here is going to identify opportunities that students will have literally right after graduation, maybe even some before graduation. We have about eight interview rooms so they can have one-on-one conversations with students, and it’s that meaningful connection that we can have between employer and student to get them gainfully employed with salary-level, post-secondary career advancement opportunities.”
The National Guard, Atrium Health, City of Charlotte and Trane were just a few of the employers with representatives ready to meet new talent for the workforce. Students arrived dressed for success, many with resumes in hand, while popular resume-writing sessions were also available on-site.
“It is nice to have the opportunity to come out here and present myself,” said Xavier Young from West Mecklenburg High School. “I want to work and have a better future.”
Isabella Contreras from David W. Butler High School said she was looking for opportunities in the medical field or anywhere she can help people. Atrium Health was one of the employers she was going to visit.
“I’m open to anything,” she said.
