With technology companies building up their presence in Atlanta, a skilled workforce is more important than ever. A career expo on March 10 brought together employers and more than 400 metro Atlanta students.
Among those in attendance was Dekhari Riggins, a senior at Riverdale High School
“I learned a lot really, because there were a lot of things I didn’t know about Microsoft,” said Riggins. “And then I learned more about the airport because it opens up a lot of opportunities.”
Microsoft is among the big tech firms hiring in Atlanta right now.
“Software engineering roles … program management for all of our different products,” said Jonathan Clarke, rattling off some of his company’s open positions. “And then we’re also really expanding our data center presence here — so that’s going to be our IT roles and hardware engineers.”
The career expo was held at the Georgia International Convention Center, in the shadow of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport.
“As much as we need jobs, they need us too,” said Larrence George, another Riverdale student in attendance.
The expo focused on opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM — including careers in programming, information technology, aviation, logistics and construction.
“Everything we do in this industry revolves around STEM,” said Tonya Ford with Construction Ready, a workforce development program. “We can’t build without technology.”
UPS was at the expo, so too was Porsche.
Cullen Holt with DSV Air & Sea, a freight-forwarding company with a presence in Atlanta, says global supply chain woes have brought what his company does into the spotlight.
“People finally know what an ocean container looks like,” said Holt. “And I do think people are excited about the opportunity to work full time with benefits right out of high school.”
The career expo was hosted by Aerotropolois — an alliance of business and community leaders on metro Atlanta’s south side, near the airport.
Gyimah Whitaker, deputy chief academic officer for Fulton County Schools, says the district’s proximity to one of the world’s busiest airports and logistics hub makes it important to center curriculum around STEM education.
“Even as early as sixth grade, they’re able to identify their aptitude and also their, really their natural proclivity, if you will, to one of these different areas,” Whitaker said.
Along with Fulton, juniors and seniors from Clayton County also had a chance to meet employers.
And whether the event leads to a summer internship for these students or just a conversation about potential opportunities, those behind the expo hope it will let students get their foot in the door.
“They’re ready,” said Clayton County Superintendent Morcease Beasley. “They really want to be prepared and they really want to take advantage of all these opportunities that exist.”
