The 2024 Trident Regional Career Exploration Event will provide students from Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties an opportunity to get hands on with a variety of career clusters, as employers from around the region provide interactive exhibits.

The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Program Manager, Olivia Vernon, shared the anticipation behind this year’s event. “We are excited to have the opportunity to once again bring together our dedicated partners across industry and education to provide young students in our region with first-hand knowledge of what awaits them when they are ready to enter the workforce.”

Last year, the Chamber, in conjunction with local school districts, held the Tri-County Career Fair, where over 1,000 middle school and high school students had the opportunity to meet with nearly 100 employers to learn about various industries while seniors learned about employment and internship opportunities post-graduation. This year’s event shifts focus from obtaining employment, to focusing specifically on career exploration. “For many middle school students, this may be their first time looking at the future and thinking about a career pathway. Although it may seem early, it is a prime time for younger students to see what possibilities exist in our region so they can begin planning for future educational programs and classes that will help them progress toward their career goals,” Vernon mentions.

The Chamber is currently seeking organizations and employers with immersive exhibits, who would like to participate in the March 13 event. Students will be in attendance from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Exchange Park, located in Ladson, SC.

In addition to the Career Exploration Event, Build-A-Shed, a one-day competition where teams of students build an 8’ x 11’ shed, will take place on-site. Teams from various schools will work alongside volunteer construction industry professionals to complete the structures according to blueprints, with the professionals only providing guidance in the areas of safety, quality, planning and communication. At the completion of the competition, sheds will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to benefit future school district programs and students receiving an OSHA 10 Certification.

Students participation in opportunities like the Career Exploration Event and Build-A-Shed not only make an impact on learning outcomes but also plays a critical role in talent pipeline development, ensuring our region’s businesses have skilled workers in the years to come. “By participating in this truly immersive career exploration experience, students across the Charleston Metro region are equipping themselves with the information and skills needed to build successful careers in whatever path they choose,” said Vernon.

If your business or organization are interested in participating in the 2024 Trident Regional Career Exploration Event, please contact the Chamber’s Talent Program Manager, Olivia Vernon at overnon@charlestonchamber.org. There is no fee for businesses and organizations to participate, with sponsorship opportunities available to help offset the cost of the event.