On Tuesday, Hamilton Heights High School held an interactive summer job fair for students. Local employers were on hand to share job opportunities, share information and hand out job applications to students for summer work and for those who plan to enter the workforce after graduating from high school.
This is the third year that Heights has brought local employers and students together for a jump start on their summer job search. The event, organized and spearheaded by Mary Ann Haymaker of Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance, was beneficial for students and employers: Employers having access to an eager pool of applicants for open seasonal positions, and students receiving hands-on experience in conducting themselves in a professional manner.
“Representatives from various companies, business owners and those individuals in charge of hiring were there hoping to attract seasonal workers,” said Mary Ann Haymaker, who was pleased with the turnout.
Ashleigh Engle, a Hamilton Heights graduate and manager at Wolfie’s in Noblesville, is shown here talking with students about work opportunities at the local restaurant. (From left) Katherine Naylor, Alison Tyner, Morgan Guthrie and Victoria Beland. (Photo provided)
Cicero Parks Department Superintendent Charlie Cambre relies on the seasonal help and has found students take great pride in their work and interest in the parks. Abbey Hash and Missy Moore from Noblesville Parks & Recreation agree: “Students make a difference through their contributions and are great to work with.”
Leslie Dunn from Beck’s Hybrids said the company typically looks to employ around 90 students for the summer. The company has a long-standing practice of providing seasonal work opportunities to local students. The minimum age to apply is 14.
Wendy Casteel and Abby Stutzesman from the Boys and Girls Club in Noblesville have quite a few opportunities available that range from seasonal to year-round employment. “We enjoy working with the students and find it’s a win-win for the community and students.”
Heights’ Whitney Vasquez has been working at the local Dairy Queen for two years and is now a shift leader. Jackie Jacobs, with just four months on the job, is enjoying learning the ropes at this specialty franchise. “There’s definitely good opportunities for students to learn new skills and earn money here.”
It was the first time that Gaylor Electric’s Chuck Haberman II participated. “We offer around 50 internships and summer work opportunities in a variety of areas of our company for high school and college students,” he said. “These opportunities give students a chance to explore career interests, gain experience and make a little money.” He was pleased with the interest expressed by students who inquired about opportunities at Gaylor.
McDonald’s of Cicero’s Mary Price and Gabby Galvez said the company provides a variety of work opportunities and much more. “It offers money for advanced education, training, a solid career path and much more beginning at age 15.”
“We continue to grow and expand,” said Jama Fernung, owner of DeLulla’s Trattoria in Cicero. “We will have a food truck this summer and have positions available for students who want to host, bus tables and work in the kitchen.”
Special thanks to those who participated and who represented some of the area’s finest work places at this year’s summer job fair: Beck’s Hybrids, Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville, Cicero Parks, Dairy Queen, DeLullo’s Trattoria, Gaylor Electric, McDonald’s, Noblesville Parks and Wolfie’s.