“The turnout was impressive, and many students made valuable connections for their future careers,” said Sherrard Academic Coordinator Julie Drish.
April 26, 2024 - This was the 3rd year for the Trades Career Fair held at Sherrard HS for students looking for opportunities beyond the four-year college path.
Sophomores through seniors engaged with 38 local businesses, including several trades, technical schools, the union and other opportunities.
Orion and Rockridge students seized the opportunity to explore alongside Sherrard students, fostering a shared resource of knowledge and opportunity.
“We’ve grown since the first year. We’ve been able to collaborate with other schools in the rural area, so Rockridge and Orion have brought students. Next year Mercer County is interested in bringing students, and we’ve added more businesses as well,” said Drish.
2022 Sherrard graduate Bo Johnson, Rock Island County Correctional Officer, was on-site representing the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department.
He said it was the first time he'd been back to the school since graduating - he remembers attending the first trade fair at the school.
“It helped me when I went, it opened up my eyes to all the options. You don’t have to go to college - you can just jump into the workforce. That’s what I did. I don’t have any student debt, or anything to pay off, work-wise,” said Johnson.
He said School Resource Officer and Rock Island County Deputy Mike Mendoza was also instrumental in helping him determine his career path.
Drish said they're looking to add more businesses every year. Those that offer certification programs, on-the-job-training, or union-related.
“We're incredibly grateful to the businesses who participated and shared their insights with our students," she said.
