HARDWICK — More than 50 young people connected with 17 businesses and agencies last month at a job fair designed to create employment opportunities for local youth.
The Learning Earning Connection event at Northeast Kingdom Learning Services’ new South Main Street facility brought together 16- to 25-year-olds with employers offering job shadows, internships, apprenticeships, and paid work experiences.
Cabot Creamery, Lamoille Valley Chevrolet, LWI Metalworks, and Hardwick Rescue were among the local businesses participating, alongside state agencies including the Vermont Department of Labor and the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.
“It’s a new opportunity and a different job experience compared to what I’ve done in the past,” said Payton Putvain, a student who left the event with a job offer he plans to accept. “It’s a lot more money than what I make now.”
Vendors praised the event as “very successful,” noting that participants were “a great group of young adults who were engaged and truly interested.”
The program was developed collaboratively by Hazen Union School’s work-based learning program, HireAbility, Lamoille Health Partners, and Northeast Kingdom Learning Services.
Organizers are already planning a second annual event for 2026.
