Greater Latrobe Senior High School will host its fifth annual “Next Fair” on Tuesday, April 28, giving students the opportunity to explore a wide range of career and post-secondary options. The event will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the school’s gym, with students attending in scheduled groups throughout the morning.

The fair will feature local businesses, organizations, and post-secondary institutions, all offering information about employment, internships, apprenticeships, and educational programs. Many representatives will provide materials such as job applications, flyers, pamphlets, and other resources for students to take with them.

The event is designed to help students learn more about potential career paths, gain valuable information, and begin building connections with professionals. The fair is also organized into sections by career interest, allowing students to explore areas that align with their future goals.

The Engineering, Manufacturing, and Industrial Technologies section will introduce students to hands-on career paths that focus on building, repairing, and creating. Companies such as Aggressive Grinding, Mullen Refrigeration, Product Evaluation Systems, Master Lee Energy Services, Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research, and Penn Line will be present, offering insights into skilled trades and technical careers in high demand.

The Health and Science category will provide information on careers centered around patient care and emergency services. Representatives from Independence Health System, UPMC GoHealth Urgent Care, RNC Skilled Nursing Facility, and Mutual Aid will be available to discuss opportunities in healthcare, medical support, and first response fields.

The Finance, Business, and Information Technology section is expected to include opportunities in business management, technology, and finance, although specific participants have not yet been announced.

The Human Services, Hospitality, and Public Administration category will feature a wide range of career options focused on working with people and communities. Organizations such as Adelphoi, Lopatich Brinker Funeral Home, Achieving True Self Support Services, Private Industry Council, Dairy Queen, Coffee Tree Roasters, Valley Dairy, the PA Game Commission, Chick-fil-A, and the GLLV Chamber of Commerce will be present, highlighting opportunities in service, hospitality, and public sector careers.

The Arts & Communication category is will be announced, but is expected to include opportunities related to creative fields, media, and communication-based careers.

Colleges and trade schools will also play a major role in the event, giving students the chance to explore post-secondary education options. Schools such as Pitt-Greensburg, Robert Morris University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC), PennWest University, Saint Vincent College, Lackawanna College, Douglas Education Center, Seton Hill University, Slippery Rock University, and the Community College of Beaver County’s aviation program will be in attendance.

The military will be represented by the U.S. Army, which will provide students with information about enlistment, career training, and service opportunities after graduation. Senior Landon Krinock, who is set to ship out on June 30, is among those pursuing this path.

In addition to visiting different tables, students will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle. For each table visited, students can earn a raffle ticket, increasing their chances of winning prizes such as gift cards.

Food trucks will also be present during the event, parked in the circle outside the school. Students will be able to purchase food during their lunch periods, with options expected to include Carmine’s Pizza Truck, Chick-fil-A, and Millie’s Ice Cream.

As the event approaches, the “Next Fair” is expected to give students a better understanding of their options after high school and the resources available to help them succeed.