BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Across East Tennessee, leaders said communities need more plumbers, electricians and hospitality workers.
That's why businesses, and colleges, from across the region met with students from Blount County Schools Monday for a college and career fair at William Blount High School. Linda Lane is the Human Resources Manager for Harrison Construction Co., one of the businesses that attended the fair.
"We're always looking for new recruits to learn the business, and they are our future," Lane said. "So we have a good partnership with William Blount High School in their work-based program."
Lane said the company is looking for laborers and people with CDL licenses to drive Ready Mix concrete trucks.
"We are always looking for laborers, flaggers and equipment operators," Lane said. "We have jobs all over East Tennessee."
Two William Blount High School alumni joined Lane at the career fair. Both of them graduated recently and have started careers with Harrison Construction Co. Adam Downey is a diesel technician for the company's concrete trucks.
"At first it was a little challenging, a big switch-up between high school and going into a career, but I'm glad I did it," Downey said, adding it's been a good experience.
He said he hopes he can encourage younger people to consider a job in the trades.
"I hope that they see it's a good thing to get into trades, or maybe go to a career right out of high school," he said. "You don't necessarily have to go college if that's not something you want to do, or don't think is obtainable. I think going into the workforce right out of school is a great thing, and they can see there's some people their age doing it."
Ari Rosales is a laborer with Harrison Construction, working at the asphalt plant. He said he wanted students at the career fair to know that they could have a job after they graduate.
"It's a very good way to open up, trying to see and figure out what you want to do," he said. "It really gives you an idea of what else and what other jobs you can be part of."
For Rosales, entering the workforce after high school has positively impacted his life.
"I am doing a lot more things than I thought I was going to do," he said.