More than 400 high school juniors embarked on a journey to discover their passions and build their careers at the recent Community Connections Internship Fair and Graves County Economic Development (GCED) has a new video that captures the spirit of this first-of-its kind local event.
GCED hosted the Internship Fair in partnership with the Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce, Graves County Schools, Mayfield Independent Schools, and the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC). See the video here.
Students from both Mayfield Independent and Graves County schools attended the event and met with representatives from 28 local companies to explore career pathways, build community relationships, and identify ways to gain real-world work experience. The students had prepared resumes and shared those with businesses with the goal of securing an internship, part-time, or summer job.
“A special thank you to our incredible partners who help make events like this possible,” said Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katie Beth McCord. “Your continued support plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of our workforce.”
“We are also grateful for the many businesses and organizations who participated and invested their time in our students,” she added. “Your willingness to engage with students and share your expertise makes a lasting impact. We look forward to continuing to build strong partnerships that support workforce development and create opportunities for our community’s future.”
Participating businesses include:
- Air Evac Lifeteam #108
- City of Mayfield
- Dairyman’s Supply
- First Choice Farm & Lawn
- FNB Bank
- Graves County Economic Development
- Graves County Extension Office
- Heartland Capital Investments
- KHEAA
- Kyle Smith Design
- Mako Farms
- Mayfield Electric & Water Systems
- Mayfield Fire Department
- Mayfield Graves County YMCA
- Mercy Health
- Paducah Electrical JATC
- Power Truss
- Precast Product Solutions
- Purchase Area Development District
- Stor-Mor Outdoor Products
- Usher, Inc.
- Walker Womack Agency
- West Kentucky RECC
- Whippoorwill Manor
- Wilson & Toombs, PLLC
- WoodmenLife
- WYMC Radio
- Youngblood’s Excavating & Contracting
Mayfield High School Guidance Counselor Lynn Henderson said the students came prepared. “We have done lots of training on job skills, professional dress, and resumes. We try on a daily basis to teach our kids those skills that will make them employable.”
Graves County School Superintendent Matthew Madding said he was excited to see so many businesses participate. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to see what our community has to offer and to be able to make connections.”
Tori Smoyer, Mercy Health, one of the participating businesses, said the preparation showed. “The teachers, the educators, have done an excellent job of getting the students ready to join the workforce.”
GCED President Jason Lemle said the Internship Fair was the logical next step for building the strong, dynamic workforce that today’s business and industry want while also investing in Graves County’s future.
“We are seeing great success from our Community Connections and Power in Partnership programs that bring students together with business and professional staff,” said Lemle.
But we want to give those students even more--the chance to actually work alongside the experts, to learn and see for themselves what it’s like to show up every day and contribute to the success of that business. That kind of experience is invaluable and we are so grateful to everyone who is helping make that possible. These businesses are truly outstanding supporters.”
The video was produced by local videographer Austin Lamb through Lamb Film Company.