Employers woo students at career fair

LACONIA — She’s just a high school senior, but Sydney Shepherd has it all figured out.

“I should have my LNA at the end of May, go to LRCC for my gen ed, save some money, and then go to NHTI for nursing, do my RN, get my BSN online, so I have a degree. Then I will work for a little bit, and then hopefully go back to school, so I can be a midwife.”

Shepherd was one of dozens of high school seniors who were at the Huot Technical Center Thursday morning for the annual Career Fair. Representatives from more than 20 local businesses looking for new employees were on hand to meet the young people.

Sharon de la Vergne, carrer support specialist at the Huot, explained this is a chance for the young people to try out their job-searching skills. They needed to dress for success, bring a resume and be ready to speak about themselves.

“They learn how to apply, how to talk to adults, how to get over that stigma of being scared,” she said.

“If they don’t have professional clothes, we provide the clothes for them. I teach them how to tie a tie.”

Automotive passion

Troy Miner, a well-spoken young man in a black suit, plans to go to the automotive program at Lakes Region Community College. Some of the students in that program get sponsorships from automobile companies, and a job at a dealership will await them upon graduation.

Experienced mechanics at dealerships can make salaries approaching $100,000 a year.

“I work on my own cars at home,” he said. “I have a Mazda Miata race car that I have modified with a new air intake manifold, new exhaust, redone suspension, fire-suppression system.”

He took an honors biology class at high school and considered pursuing something in the science field, with cars being a secondary interest.

“But that would be a lot of work for something I am not 100 percent passionate about,” he said. “I know this may not pay as well, but I love cars. I’ll also save money on college costs.”

Law enforcement

Another student nearby was Chase Harper, who plans to go into the law enforcement field. He plans to get a four-year degree in criminal justice from Plymouth State University. His father, Michael Harper, is a lieutenant with the Meredith Police Department.

Chase Harper and others studying law enforcement at the Huot recently completed a three-week internship at area police departments.

Harper wants to stay local.

“I like the community policing,” he said. “Everyone knows everyone, and I like that recognition.”

Food services

Jason Rathbun, managing operator at T-Bones and Cactus Jack’s, had a table at the job fair. He is looking for people who want to fill kitchen positions. Starting pay is $11 an hour.

“Zero experience is required,” he said. “We’re looking for people with a good attitude, people who want to work, will show up and work hard.

“The training program for a line cook is one to two weeks, but it takes a good month or two before they get really comfortable and good at their jobs.”

One word: Plastics

Also manning a recruitment desk at the career fair was Steve Geiger, plant manager at Eptam Plastics in Northfield.

His company makes precision items for the aerospace, medical and semiconductor fields. Some parts are used in surgical procedures and will be placed in the human body.

“The company was family-owned, but it is now owned by a private equity firm out of Boston, and we are looking to grow,” Geiger said.

He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Hampshire.

He hopes to make contact with young people pursuing an engineering degree who might be interested in internship programs with Eptam and future employment with the company.

He’s also looking for people who may not go on to a four-year degree but are interested in working in precision machining.

Companies participating in the career fair:

Autoserve

Bank of New Hampshire

Belknap County Department of Corrections

Belknap County Nursing Home

Cactus Jack’s Grill - T-bones

Eptam Plastic

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies

Gilford Parks and Recreations

Golden View Health Care

Irwin Motor Group

Laconia Police Department

Lakes Region Childcare Services

Lakes Region Community College - Manufacturing Program

Lakes Region Community Services

Laconia Adult Education

Lowes

LRGHealthcare

NH Marine Patrol

Middleton Lumber

Mount Washington Cruiseline

NH Works

NH Auto Dealers

Saint Francis Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

Sawyers Dairy Bar

Taylor Community

Tech Needs Staffing Agency

Titeflex

Watts Waterworks