Submitted photo

Pictured (from left) is Ross McPherson of the WV Laborers Training Center in Mineral Wells, Suzanne Dickens, Mason County Superintendent of Schools, Jack Cullen, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Doug Barker of the WV Laborers Training Center. McPherson spoke to graduating seniors about the training opportunities available at the Laborers Training Center at the recent Post-Secondary Education Opportunities Fair.

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MASON COUNTY — In a matter of weeks, several Mason County students will receive their diplomas and face a decision of what to do next.

In order to help the students see what educational opportunities are available, aside from the traditional four-year degree programs, the Mason County Career Center (MCCC) recently hosted their annual Post-Secondary Education Opportunities Fair. According to the event organizer Ruth Caplinger, 27 schools, training programs, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and other opportunities were available for students to view and learn more about their options.

“Years ago I went to the county college day at one of the high schools and all that was there for the students to talk to was the four-year schools,” said Ruth Caplinger. “I told the person who was Superintendent at the time that a four-year degree is not for everyone; there is so much more out there, apprenticeship programs, community colleges, beauty schools and others. He said if you want to do something else go for it; so I did and that has been about 12 or more years ago.”

Students from Hannan, Wahama, Point Pleasant High Schools and the MCCC attended this fair, and with the assistance of MCCC staff, according to Caplinger, this event has become a yearly event.

The schools, apprentice programs, employers or others that were present and met with students included: WVU Tech, Mountwest, Gallipolis Career College, Cabell Technical Center, WV Junior College, WVU at Parkersburg, Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, University of Rio Grande, Inland Waterways Academy at Mountwest, AEP River Operations, Huntington School of Beauty Culture, Bridgemont Community and Technical College, Toyota, Culinary Program at Mountwest, Wyo Tech, WV Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers, WVU, Bradford School, WV State, WV Laborers Training Trust Fund, Robert C. Byrd Manufacturing Institute, Millwright Local 1755 JATC, WV Carpenter Training Center, Ohio Valley University, Putnam Career and Technical Center and the Pittsburg Art Institute.