A district-wide expo will showcase the various career opportunities Southwest Florida has to offer at the first Career Expo and Fair at Island Coast High School.

School District of Lee County Career and Technical Education Department Career Specialist Kelly Thawley said she has to give Island Coast High School the credit, as they took the lead on the expo. Kim Jones, from Island Coast High School, and Courtney Butts from Fort Myers High School were instrumental in putting the event together.

“Over the past couple of years there has definitely been a shift in education and the community toward career planning and awareness. Part of that also includes post secondary education needed . . . university, state college and technical school,” Thawley said. “Equity and access is also very important to our district. We wanted to make sure there is a place where all students and families can come and learn about different careers in our community.”

The Career Expo/Fair, which is open to the public, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Island Coast High School, 2125 De Navarra Parkway, between the football field, track and gymnasium.

As of Thursday afternoon, Thawley said the district had about 50 businesses and educational entities signed up to participate. Healthcare, nonprofits, marketing, education, business, culinary, human services (barbers and salons), construction, engineering firms, as well as larger corporations that deal with logistics will be represented.

“They will be showcasing everything from entry level to needing an advanced degree,” she said, adding that having education institutions present will be helpful. “If students find a career pathway they are interested in and know they need a four-year degree they can explore the different universities represented there.”

Thawley said they may have elementary aged students present, which is great exposure to see what careers are out there in Southwest Florida. It is also an opportunity for middle school students, as well as high school students, as they may be making career decisions soon.

“We have let the businesses know that if they are currently hiring, they are welcome to bring that information,” she said. “It is not a hiring fair, it’s a showcase of careers. We also understand what our role is in workforce development.”

Thawley said it might come in handy for parents that might be unemployed.

“We are happy to use this opportunity for that as well,” she said. “We want to make sure families know it is an exploratory event with possibility of businesses to hire.”

The hope is that the Career Expo/Fair becomes an annual event across the three zones, West, East and South. Island Coast High School was the first to step up this year.

“We are hopeful to be able to have it in the East and South Zone next year,” Thawley said. “We are aware that some of the individual schools have done something similar in the past as a school-based event. This is the first time it is open up to the public and all of our families across the district.”

This event is part of the School District of Lee County’s inaugural College & Career Week, which will be celebrated from March 7 through March 11.

The week provides an opportunity to show students the various pathways they can take through training, degrees, certifications and workforce experience.