Van Wert County hosts career exploration event for 500 students

More than 500 freshmen and sophomores will participate in the annual Build Your Future Forward event at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, September 15. The interactive experience is designed to introduce students to high-demand career pathways within the region.

Students from various local districts, including Crestview, Lincolnview, Van Wert City, Parkway, Paulding Exempted Village, Antwerp, and Wayne Trace, will attend sessions throughout the day. Participants will rotate through seven-minute hands-on stations focusing on industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and skilled trades.

Vantage Career Center staff and students will lead activities to demonstrate industry skills and career-technical education. Local partners, including Danfoss, OhioHealth Van Wert, Paulding County Hospital, and InSource, will participate to showcase regional employment opportunities.