West Springfield High School hosted its 3rd annual Career Fair on November 22.  There were 30 businesses in attendance in the main gym, in addition to an internship panel discussion in the auditorium.  Students had the opportunity to learn about a variety of careers from local businesses, including personal training from Planet Fitness, auto repair from Cardinal Plaza Shell Station, hospitality from Hilton Springfield, as well as sales and marketing from Priority Toyota Springfield.   US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Explorer Post 202 brought a canine officer with a detector dog who was trained to screen passengers and cargo to prevent the introduction of harmful plant pests from entering the US.  The supervisor in the FCPS Design and Construction department who helped lead the WSHS renovations was also present to talk about careers and apprenticeships. Local artist Marni Maree and photographer Tahnee Blauser shared information about careers in the art field.  Students in the Work Awareness and Transition class greeted the businesses and helped sign them in.

At the internship panel, students had the opportunity to learn more about Genesys Works, which provides paid internships to rising Seniors in the business and technology fields throughout the school year.  They also learned about apprenticeships from an HVAC specialist from the Center for Employment Training, as well as internships at NOVA Parks and George Mason University. This event was organized by the school’s Student Services Department led by the Career Center Specialist, Tisa Frederick, school counselor Jana Biever, and Employment and Transition Representative Rebecca Cousins.