EVANSTON — A Career Readiness Workshop scheduled by Disability:IN Uinta County took place in the Machine Shop on Thursday, March 27, from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for 30 students from Evanston and Mountain View high schools, along with students from Hayden Peak Academy. 

Program coordinator Bethany Shidler began the morning by dividing the students into three groups so they could rotate through the scheduled interview times and the other activities.

“If you are looking for summer employment,” Shidler told the students, “ask the employer at the tables if they are hiring. You will also have a chance to sit with the employers during lunch so you can learn more about them and the jobs they offer.”

The 11 local business representatives sitting at individual tables to participate in the interviews were: Travis Hogland with The Lumber Yard; Evanston Police Department Resource Officer Ben Gilmore and Sgt. Shawn Stahl; David Benton and Venice Burton with First Bank; Ryan Hofer, operations manager for Rocky Mountain Power; Trona Valley Federal Credit Union’s Shaely Pierce and Lacey Robertson; Union Tank Car plant manager Jason Lloyd and human resources manager Leisa Matthews; master electrician Bill Jones with Great Basin Industrial; Chris Adams and Julie Bentley with Union Wireless; Mike Williams, Executive Director of Uinta BOCES No. 1; Hanni Cluny with Uinta Eye & Vision; and Murdoch’s manager Marny Huffaker.

The students rotated in groups through the scheduled activities so that each student would have an opportunity to participate in five separate five-minute mock interviews with five different employers of their choice.

Disability:In Executive Director Gina Jones and EHS special education teacher Randy Swan led the students in mindfulness activities.

David Welling with the Department Workforce Services taught the students how to fill out an application and what to expect when applying for a job.

Heather McKinnon and Grace Vigil with Department of Vocational Services (DVR) explained to the students how to get help from DVR and led the group in team building.

“This is the first time, as far as I know, that DVR has been involved in this workshop,” Jones said, “We are so excited about the future partnership with DVR.”

At noon, students, employers and staff enjoyed a catered lunch from Subway. After lunch, everyone helped to put the tables and chairs away before returning to their respective schools.

“It was a great event for all involved,” Jones said. “All the employers were excited and happy to participate, and the students seemed to have a good time. We look forward to doing this workshop every year.”