SALISBURY — The second annual Aspire & Hire Career Expo, held on Tuesday at the West End Plaza in Salisbury, concluded with remarkable success, drawing widespread participation from high school students and job seekers across the region. The event, organized in collaboration with Rowan-Salisbury Schools (RSS) CTE Program, the Rowan EDC, Rowan Chamber, city of Salisbury, NCWorks, Rowan Partners for Education, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and Novant Health, underscored the community’s commitment to fostering employment opportunities and career readiness among its youth and job seekers.

The expo was divided into two sessions to cater to different audiences. The morning session, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., was dedicated to work-ready high school seniors from Rowan Salisbury Schools, attracting 161 students from Carson High School, East Rowan High School, Salisbury High School, North Rowan High School, South Rowan High School, and West Rowan High School. The afternoon session, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., welcomed job seekers from Salisbury and as far as Charlotte, with 210 pre-registered attendees and approximately 30 walk-ins. To facilitate access, the City of Salisbury’s Transit System offered complimentary bus rides to and from the event, enhancing accessibility for local job seekers. Additionally, the Rowan Partners for Education provided lunch for the students and employers in attendance.

A diverse range of employers from Rowan County and surrounding areas were present to showcase their job openings. Participants included major local and national organizations, such as ADUSA, CESI, Compleat Kidz, Daimler Truck North America, Denso, Henkel, Innospec, Food Lion, Freshhouse, Gildan, Power Curbers, Nouryon and many more, representing a wide spectrum of industries. Additionally, local institutions such as the city of Salisbury, Kannapolis Fire Department, RSS and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College showcased job openings, offering a broad spectrum of opportunities.

Kendall Henderson, Rowan EDC’s Director of Business Services, praised the event’s organization, saying, “This year’s Aspire & Hire Career Expo was a testament to the dedication and effort of the RSS CTE team, particularly under the leadership of Kresen Whitmarsh, CTE curriculum instruction management coordinator for RSS. The meticulous planning and execution of the event facilitated a seamless and productive experience for both employers and job seekers.”

Career Center Leader/Manager with NCWorks Career Center-Rowan Joseph Dismuke echoed this sentiment, highlighting the expo’s timing.

“Spring is an exceptional time as many new graduates from Rowan-Salisbury Schools prepare to enter the workforce within Rowan County and surrounding areas, presenting fresh talent to local employers,” Dismuke said.

Expressing her appreciation, RSS Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Stacey White said, “Extending my gratitude to the premium business and industry partners who joined us at the 2nd annual Aspire and Hire job fair for our senior students. Your presence underscores the importance of investing in local talent. Today’s event highlights a crucial message: our students do not have to look beyond our county to find rewarding career opportunities. By preparing them for the workforce, we are paving the way for a prosperous future right here at home. Let’s continue to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring our community remains a thriving center of economic growth.”

Rowan Chamber President Elaine Spalding highlighted the role of the chamber in workforce development, saying, “The chamber’s Workforce Development Alliance is happy to assist with the spring and fall job fairs.

“The Aspire & Hire event is a wonderful opportunity for employers to visit with students and adult job seekers.”

The Aspire & Hire Career Expo continues to demonstrate the effect of collaboration between educational institutions, local government and the private sector in creating meaningful employment opportunities and supporting Rowan County’s economic development.

For more information about future Rowan County job fairs, contact Kendall Henderson at kendall@rowanedc.com.