Students inspired to join workforce at career fair

For students at Alberton School, last Thursday’s Career Exploration Fair offered a glimpse into the future — and for longtime counselor Kara Morgan, it was the realization of a dream years in the making. 

Held in the school gymnasium, the fair brought together employers, educators and career professionals from across the region, filling the space with hands-on demonstrations, conversations and opportunities that opened students’ eyes to possibilities beyond the classroom walls. Nearly 170 students participated throughout the day, meeting vendors, asking questions and exploring careers that matched their interests and strengths.

“Career readiness is really a passion of mine because I truly believe it’s never too early for students to start thinking about their future and discovering their strengths and interests,” said Morgan, Alberton School’s TK-12 counselor, government teacher and state testing coordinator, who has served the district for 20 years. 

At Alberton School, career exploration starts early, very early. Morgan works with students beginning at age 4 in the school’s Early Learning Program, introducing them to careers and helping them understand how different jobs connect to different personalities and interests. As students grow older, those lessons evolve into career research, leadership opportunities and practical workplace skills.

“Our counseling department also gives our younger students real-world leadership and career experiences where they apply and interview for school jobs,” Morgan explained. “These positions include our Kindness Crew, Morning Greeters and Pledge Leaders.” 

Together, those students make up the Alberton P.I.T. Crew, short for Panther Impact Team. On Career Exploration Day, they welcomed employers, checked vendors in and guided them throughout the school.

The fair itself featured a wide range of professions, giving students a chance to see careers up close. 

At one booth, Kaylee Wommack with Ponderosa Dental Group demonstrated how dental tools are used in different areas of the mouth. One student remarked that the dental picks “all look the same,” prompting Wommack to explain how each tool is designed for a different angle and purpose.

Across the gym, Nicole Marburger, owner of Studio Beauty School in Missoula, and hair instructor Dakota Welch, originally from Plains, talked with students about careers in cosmetology. The school offers training programs for licensed cosmetologists, manicurists and estheticians. 

“It’s a family-owned business with one in Spokane and the one in Missoula we work at since it opened five years ago,” Marburger explained, adding that the Missoula campus currently serves about 80 students. 

Students interested in military service crowded around the table hosted by Sgt. Tristan McElroy, a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter with six years of active-duty experience. McElroy, who said he plans to make the Marines a 20-year career, spent much of the day answering questions from older students while handing out “Semper Fi” goodies. 

Public health careers were also represented by Jennifer Donavan, director of the Mineral County Public Health Department and school nurse for Alberton School. Donavan discussed the rewards of serving communities through public health work rather than in a traditional hospital setting.

Construction and trade careers drew attention as well. Rich Milander of Superior, a manager with Jackson Construction of Missoula, shared information about the company’s internship program for high school students interested in building trades. 

The internships offer students a chance to gain experience, earn good summer wages and potentially begin long-term careers in construction. Representatives from UM-Missoula College’s Industrial Technology programs also attended, providing information about welding and fabrication, BIM-CADD and transportation programs.

Older students in grades 10 through 12 attended the fair during the morning session, while younger students explored the exhibits in the afternoon. Throughout the school year, Morgan said students also participate in resume-writing workshops and career assessments with help from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and Job Service. 

“The goal has been to help students see that there are many different paths to success and to start preparing them with practical, real-life skills,” Morgan said. 

Beyond career choices, Alberton School also emphasizes employability skills, showing students how habits formed in school translate directly into future success.

“We want our students to understand that being successful in the workplace starts with the habits and attitudes they build in the classroom every single day,” Morgan said.

For Morgan, the Career Exploration Fair represented the culmination of years of planning and dedication. 

“This event gives students the opportunity to meet professionals from a wide variety of careers, ask questions, make connections and learn more about the opportunities that exist right here in our community and surrounding areas,” she said. 

In a small rural school, experiences like these can have a lasting impact, helping students see that their futures can take many different directions, and that support is available close to home.

“I’m just really proud of our students and so grateful for the employers who volunteered their time and expertise to help make this happen,” Morgan said, giving special thanks to Julissa Bencia-Hensel from the Department of Labor and Industry, CTE teacher Nathan Morris and Alberton superintendent/principal Mandy Cyr.

List of employers that participated:

Mineral Community Hospital: OT, Radiology, Dietician, Director,

KPAX

Spectrum Aquatics

Jackson Contractors

Modern Machinery

CAT-Western States

Missoula College Welding

University of Montana Education Department

Studio Beauty School

Kristin English with David C. Armerding Real Estate

Clearwater Credit Union

Ponderosa Dental

EMT

Frenchtown Fire Department

FWP

MCIS/Career Lab

Job Corps

Job Service

Reach Higher

Army

Air Force

Marines

VEO Guardians

The Recording Center

Mineral Independent

    From military service to cosmetology to job corps opportunities to recording studios, the first Alberton School Career Exploration Fair had about 170 students asking questions and learning more what was available and waiting for them.
  

    From military service to cosmetology to job corps opportunities to recording studios, the first Alberton School Career Exploration Fair had about 170 students asking questions and learning more what was available and waiting for them.
  

    The PIT Crew for the Alberton School Career Exploration Day consisted of Jaxson Z., Counselor Kara Morgan, Ida J., Delilah L., Grace D., TJ H., and Timber H. These students had to apply and be interviewed as they work also as ambassadors for the entire school system (Photo by Kara Morgan)
  

    From KPAX-TV, Zach Volheim explained the responsibilities of a broadcast reporter and the education required.
  

    Modern Machinery and the Frenchtown Fire Department/EMS Team were setup showing the insides of an ambulance and the power behind a fire engine with water suppression.