STCC spring career and transfer fair connects students with employers, colleges

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College helped employers get “back to business” with a spring career and transfer fair that connected company representatives with students, alumni and friends of STCC.

The college on March 30 held its spring Back to Business Career and Transfer Fair, which was free for attendees who were looking for their next career move or seeking information about transferring to a four-year institution.

Dr. Shai Butler, STCC Interim Vice President of Advancement & External Affairs, said employers have faced the challenge of finding people to hire.

“Recruiters are excited about being at STCC for the fair and getting to know our students and others who are looking for opportunities,” Butler said. “STCC provides the top notch training and education job seekers need to get noticed. We are thrilled to make the connections.”

STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts, offers high quality degree and certificate programs with pathways to in-demand careers as well as transfer opportunities to four-year institutions

Nearly 40 businesses and several colleges and universities set up tables in the Ira Rubenzahl Student Learning Commons at STCC to provide information and hear from attendees. STCC offered free professional headshots for attendees.

STCC student Anne Kagotho of Springfield, who is studying nursing, said she enjoyed meeting with employers. “I think this is a good opportunity,” she said.

Johnny Nguyen, an STCC student  pursuing a certificate in cybersecurity, said he wanted to network with recruiters.

“I would like recruiters or anyone of high ranking to be aware of my interest in technical positions and web development,” he said. “That’s my biggest challenge right now –  being able to talk to the right people.”

We are always looking for people who want to have fun at work as well as do rewarding work. It’s nice to be out here today at Springfield Technical Community College. Christine Pollender, Human Resources Director at Sunshine Village

Christine Pollender, director of Human Resources at Sunshine Village in Chicopee, said she wanted to talk to people about opportunities. Sunshine Village Day provides services for adults with developmental disabilities and autism.

“It’s wonderful to get out into the community and have our jobs presented to potential job seekers,” Pollender said. “We are always looking for people who want to have fun at work as well as do rewarding work. It’s nice to be out here today at Springfield Technical Community College.”

Toni Wall, director of market development for The Collins Companies, an industrial distributor of pipe, valves and fittings based in East Windsor, Conn., said the owner of the company, Brian Tuohey, is a strong supporter of STCC and helping people in the community. Check-in at the fair was in the Tuohey Family Welcome Center in the Learning Commons, named for the owner of The Collins Companies.

“He’s dedicated to giving back to the youth in our community,” Wall said.

She said The Collins Companies has hands-on positions for people looking to build a career in plumbing and HVAC.

Representatives from colleges and universities were also on hand to speak to students about transfer opportunities. STCC has agreements with several four-year institutions that allow students to seamlessly transfer credits and continue on to receive a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Wally Soufane spoke to students about transfer opportunities at Elms College in Chicopee. Some programs allow students to continue studying at STCC while they pursue an Elms bachelor’s degree.

“This is a really good opportunity for students, especially the STCC community, to be able to meet and speak with representatives from colleges and universities in the area as well as area businesses,” Soufane said. “It is a good opportunity for students to look at the options that are out there for them, especially since the pandemic has made that really tough over the last few years. The Career and Transfer Fair is a great way for everybody to get back on track.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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