On Feb. 8, Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) held its second First Choice Career Fair. The fair is the brainchild of First Choice Career coordinator Jared Erb, who held the first event as an Internship Fair in 2015. The fair has been held several times since, but only officially became the First Choice Career Fair in 2023. Members of the freshman class attended the fair during the first period of school, sophomores attended during the second period, and juniors and seniors attended during third period. About 450 students took part.

"One of your peers in this room has a sibling who graduated early as a result of attending this fair," PVHS vice principal Amy Koberstein told the freshmen gathered in the auditorium prior to the start of the fair.

Principal John Trovato encouraged the students to focus on being confident and asking questions of the representatives of nearly 50 businesses at displays located in the school gym. "Walk up to the people behind the tables, introduce yourself, offer a handshake," urged Trovato. "We have had students who were offered (job) interviews on the spot because they made a good first impression."

Erb had prepared sample questions for the students to ask the business representatives, including, "What products and services (does your company provide)?" and "What is the training path needed to pursue a job with your company?" "(The question for students is), 'What do you want to be?'" Erb stated. "A nurse, firefighter, a doctor? This (career fair) helps them connect the dots between their elementary understanding ... and what is actually possible." Erb lined up the businesses that took part, dividing the room into sections for construction and architecture, manufacturing, education and training, public safety, agriculture, finance, and more. Organizations that were represented were as varied as Dutch Wonderland, Warfel Construction, Garden Spot Village, and Fulton Bank.

Students had about 30 minutes to speak with the representatives. "(The fair) doesn't just promote internship (opportunities)," explained Erb. "It's to promote connections and stories." Erb explained that the platform gives local companies a chance to tell their stories to students who are looking for where they will fit into the picture in the future.

Pequea Valley School District assistant superintendent Rich Eby attended the fair. He praised Erb for his work on the event and on the First Choice program, a work-based program offering career exploration and mentoring that Erb has spearheaded. "Jared has really immersed himself," said Eby. "He has built relationships with these businesses and developed the mentoring program." Eby estimated that about 30 of the business representatives at the fair were also mentoring PVHS sophomores.

Not far away Erb was engaged with a trio of students who expressed interest in the construction field. "All the trades are lined up on this side and over here," pointed out Erb, who told the students, "Start with these guys, and then work back and forth and find out what they do."

Readers who would like to know more about the First Choice program at PVHS may email Erb at jared_erb@pequeavalley.org.