Students launch future careers at Blount County’s Job Signing Day

ALCOA, Tenn. (WATE) — Blount County held its Job Signing Day to celebrate high school students who are graduating while simultaneously launching their careers.

With sports, athletes commit to a college team. Similarly, these students commit to a job after graduation for job signing day. This not only helps fight labor shortages but also gives students a sense of security post-graduation.

“This is a super exciting day for our students and also for us. It’s one of my favorite days of the year because I get to see them taking strides toward what they’re going to do after high school,” said Sarah Bell, the work-based learning coordinator at William Blount High School. “The Chamber does a great job of hyping it up and making them feel special”

The graduating seniors have already earned college-level course credits and hands-on experience. Some even have gained an industry certificate while still in school.

“It makes you feel like you know reinsurance is like I’m going to have a good future ahead of me. I’m going to be alright. I’m not going to be worrying about a job post-high school,” said Jordan Hawkins, William Blount High School senior, and future CNA at Blount Memorial.

Hawkins explained that he was able to get his CNA license while in school through the nursing classes offered.

“Basically, starting out freshman year I was like, okay, EMT seems cool, that seems like a fun career to pursue and then I started taking all these other classes, and the nursing class reinforced the idea that I want to be a nurse,” said Hawkins.

Jessica Belitz, the director of workforce development for the Blount Partnership, shared that this event started six years ago with six students signing on to jobs. In 2024, a total of 68 students signed on to jobs.

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