‘There’s something for everyone’; Vermilion Co. students see career possibilities

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Some Central Illinois students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world.

Vermilion Advantage took high school students on a two-day tour to area businesses — giving them ideas of where to go after graduating.

DACC accepting applications for board vacancy

"I think there's a big misconception of 'Oh I can't do that here,'" Jodie Ingram, Vermilion Advantage economic and community development coordinator, said. "Yes you can, there's something for everyone in Vermilion County.

About 150 high school students got to see that firsthand. Vermilion Advantages' Tour of Industries took teens to nine businesses.

"This is the first year that we've expanded, so we're doing a manufacturing tour, a healthcare tour and a mixed industries tour," Ingram said.

One of the stops on the tour was Tridan International. Students got to see the technology and innovation it takes to send machinery around the world.

The business has over 1000 customers across 62 countries. They're the only place in the world that makes a portable mechanical tube expander.

Taylorville students send resources to hurricane victims

"It's something, once again, never knew happened in Danville — didn't know it was a thing," Ingram said. "So, it was really cool to actually get to see it firsthand and see people out there working."

The tours try to keep young talent in the area.

"Vermilion County, as well as everywhere, is having some workforce issues and shortages," Ingram said. "I think a lot of times we get stuck in this mindset where we're a small town, I want to do this but I'm going to have to move away, and that's fine if they want to. But I don't want them to move away because they don't know what's available."

Organizers said they hope to expand the tours next year — potentially adding new stops and careers along the way.

"Even if it kind of kick starts them into being like 'What do I want to do, what is available' start asking the questions, I think that's a success," Ingram said.

Vermilion Advantage is planning to hire a workforce education position. The role will further connect industries and schools to help students explore careers in the county.