Made in Franklin marks successful annual program

Photo by Alison James
Russellville High School students listen as a Northwest-Shoals Community College faculty member and paramedic Keith Bishop demonstrates lifesaving maneuvers that students in the EMS program will learn.

Bringing a slate of local industries under one roof for the span of a two-day program is no mean feat, but it’s something the Franklin County Development Authority pulls off each year for Made in Franklin, a career expo that gives high school students the scoop on products that are made at jobs that are available in Franklin County.

This was the third year for the event, which was modeled after a similar program in Dekalb County. Students were able to learn about opportunities at industries like Pilgrim’s, Vulcan, the sheriff’s office and local banks, as well as find out about educational opportunities at Northwest-Shoals Community College – among many other vendors.

“We like to be involved with the community. All our workforce is local,” Vulcan’s Jim South explained. “We’d like to make an impression on students now and let them know what kind of skills they’ll need, what we’re looking for as they enter the workforce.”

David Hooks, quality and safety manager with Leisure Creations, said he thinks the job fair model is a great way for students to see career opportunities and what local industries have to offer. “The biggest questions that were asked was ‘What do y’all pay?’” Hooks said with a laugh.

FCDA Interim Director Sherye Price said the expo seemed to come together well and run smoothly. The job fair, held Thursday evening, was also a success; Price said more than a hundred attendees took advantage of the opportunity to pursue job opportunities and find out about furthering their education.