PREBLE COUNTY — On April 12-13, members of the Preble County Development Partnership and Preble County Workforce Development Committee traveled to the five area Preble County high schools to present a panel discussion to upcoming graduates.
The panel was made up of members from Cargill, Ohio Job and Family Services, Reid Health, Neaton, TimkenSteel, Pratt Industries, Henny Penny Corporation and Lawn Plus.
Individual panelists included Sharon Jones from OhioMeansJobs Preble County, Rodney Creech, Lawn Plus owner and entrepreneur; Dan Brouse from Cargill;Chip Zanzinger from Neaton, Amy Rismiller and Jennifer Donnelly from Henny Penny; Betsy Crumbaker and John Liddy from Timken; Sara Coyle and Calista Robinson from Reid Health and Shannon Williams from Pratt.
During the discussion, the members of the panel discussed topics including: available jobs/career paths available in Preble County for the students upon graduation; the importance of being on time; soft skills; preparing for interviews and resume building; benefits, salary, tuition reimbursement and college tuition debt vs. career planning.
Other topics included:
•What’s available at each business in relation to potential job openings?
•What can the businesses offer the students?
•What are the expectations/realization of “real life” rules (attendance, dress, following rules?) “
“This was a great opportunity for student who are nearing graduation to speak with local employers and community partners about job opportunities and career planning,” PCPD Economic Development Director Brenda Latanza said.
