INDIANAPOLIS — We need money to live, and most of us need a job to keep money in our pockets. An event on Wednesday helped teenagers and young adults find a fulfilling job to fill up their free time.
The Youth Opportunities Fair was sponsored by Indianapolis Congressman Andre Carson. The event featured more than 50 vendors who wanted to hire Hoosiers between the ages of 14 and 24.
Many of the young people in attendance were shuttled there as part of a field trip, but Wabash College student Jordan Olarewaju came on his own time.
"I came out here to find a job," Olarewaju said. "My dad really put me on to this. It was a bit of him nudging me, but also me saying, 'I need to get up and do something.'"
The event featured traditional summer job opportunities such as lifeguards and camp counselors, but also representation from several trade careers.
"This is for if they are interested in working with kids," said Amber Brookins of the John Boner Neighborhood Center, which is seeking to hire younger teenagers for their first jobs. "I've always believed in planting seeds. I always wanted to be a person that could reach back and help."
"If we can pique interest in the trades, we could fill those jobs," said Dominic Collins from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which was seeking apprentices over the age of 17. "It's a pathway to the middle class. You're talking six-figure salaries, zero student loan debt, and a skill that has limitless earning potential."
Olarewaju said he's grateful for the event because it showed him opportunities beyond the coffee shop and restaurant jobs he is used to.
"Not saying there's anything wrong with food, but I was sure there was much more than food," Olarewaju said. "Coming out here and seeing major corporations I can get in contact with, I think it's great."
-
Deadly crash in Monroe County claims two lives
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal crash on Friday evening. Deputies responding to the scene found two cars that had crashed head-on.
Showing up and showing out on the biggest stage in basketball
At every home game, the Pacers Entertainment Teams show their support for the Pacers. Their intricate routines keep the crowd engaged and fired up.
Learning life lessons from the Pacers
One young fan is applying the lessons he's learned from the Pacers in everyday life. That mindset of never being out of the game and never giving up.
The voices of the Pacers create an unforgettable moment in the NBA Finals
Media worlds collided during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Pacers radio announcer Mark Boyle teamed up with TV play-by-play caller Chris Denari during the NBA Finals.
