On February 6, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce played host to nearly 550 high school students hailing from King George, Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and Fredericksburg, as well as homeschool and private school attendees, along with college students from Mary Washington University and Germanna Community College.
This marked the third annual Intern Expo, themed “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”
The event, which boasted a record turnout of almost 100 vendors, showcased businesses representing diverse career options spanning agriculture, architecture and construction, business management and administration, education, engineering, finance, government and public affairs, health science, hospitality and tourism, law and public safety, manufacturing, marketing, real estate, science, transportation, and distribution. Additionally, 50 volunteers facilitated breakout sessions featuring mock interviews and career assessments, making the event an unequivocal success.
“The Intern Expo was more than just an event; it was a gateway to unlocking the potential of tomorrow’s workforce. Our almost 100 attending businesses had the opportunity to engage with the brightest minds from local schools, colleges, and universities. The 3rd annual Intern Expo was an interactive platform that fostered connections, promoted collaboration, and provided a firsthand look at the talent that is shaping the future. We are thrilled about the success of the event as we look to the future, tracking the progress of the connections made and the knowledge obtained. We send a huge thank you to all that aided in making it a regional success,” said Carley Swaim Walker, director of WorkForce NOW.
Attendees also had the opportunity to vie for one of three $1,500 scholarships, with applications due by April 19th, 2024. The Workforce Now Selection Committee will choose the scholarship winners the following week, with notifications slated for June 1st, 2024.
The event, hosted by WorkForce NOW and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the University of Mary Washington, was generously sponsored by FAB, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Matern Staffing, and Ignite Cinemas.
