Battle Ground High School hosts annual Industry Fair

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Battle Ground High School will host its seventh Industry Fair on Thursday, Feb. 17, which helps students connect with jobs both during and after high school.

Career guidance specialist Kevin Doyle is excited to return to an in-person fair this year after the previous one was held in a virtual format.

“The Industry (Fair) helps promote exposure to our students and community, as well as families, of the different careers and occupational opportunities within the Clark County area,” said Doyle. “Our students need to know what’s out there, like where can they find jobs, where can they find the skills that’s out there, and our Industry Fair helps provide that information.”

He said some of the employers present at the fair may be hiring and he encourages them to advertise their opportunities.

Those who want to show off their wares, what they do and what kinds of positions the company has are welcome to do that as well.

Doyle said the fair is not strictly a “job-hiring event,” but is also focused on industries sharing their knowledge.

The fair has been successful in finding employment for students, Doyle said.

“Many of our students obtain employment, especially locally in fast food like Dairy Queen and McDonald’s, who always seem to be hiring,” Doyle said. “A couple of positions were obtained by Sodexo, who hired a (former) student a few years ago to work in our kitchens.”



WorkSource of Southwest Washington, who partners with Battle Ground Public Schools, hosts a resume workshop with students. The student can then take their resume to any of the vendor tables and provide information for potential employment opportunities.

At the fair, Doyle said the construction and health care fields are the most popular, but students who are looking for summertime employment typically search for work at a fast food joint or restaurant. 

Aside from the Industry Fair, the career guidance office also follows the High School and Beyond program. Students in all grades work in the program.  He said it assesses students’ skills, interests and preferences. It also helps students choose a career path. 

“From there, they can look at the program and determine what type of education is needed, whether that’s going to a two-year university, four-year university, trade school, tech school, apprenticeship, military, etc.,” Doyle said. “I always let the students know that it doesn’t matter what field you’re going into, there’s always going to be some type of education beyond high school. It could be as simple as taking a seminar, or as complex as a four-year university. Most careers nowadays will require some form of education beyond (a) high school setting.”

If students are going to a university, the program will help them complete their financial aid documents, among other things.

Businesses interested in representing their company at the fair can register online at bit.ly/39zIS QG by Feb. 11. Vendors must be fully vaccinated and provide a vaccination card, a picture of one, or documentation of vaccination from a health care provider.

The fair will run from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 17.

For more information, contact Doyle at 360-885-6598 or email doyle.kevin@battlegroundps.org.