Sarah Tranum, director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Jamestown Community College, is pictured speaking to Pine Valley Central School students.

SOUTH DAYTON – Pine Valley High School recently held its annual career day, hosted by school counselors Kaylee Volpe and Stacy Chase.

Unlike a traditional career day held in a gymnasium, career presenters were assigned to a teacher’s classroom. The presenters were able to have a captive audience and present a powerpoint regarding more details about their careers such as “a day in the life,” necessary training, pay and other information. There were four 20-minute sessions that students were able to rotate through. Each student was given a personalized schedule based on their career interests.

“I really liked seeing the many different career options that I could choose from,” said student Saphera Lindquist.

Those presenting included:

– OT/PT/Speech/Nursing: Sarah Tranum is the director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program at Jamestown Community College. She discussed occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and nursing programs available at JCC. She handed out foam manipulatives and explained how they are used in occupational therapy.

– United States Navy: Jake Tomasik, a recruiter from the United States Navy, discussed joining the Navy and joining the military in general.

– Lake Shore Paving: Mark Lindstrom, president of Lake Shore Paving, talked about the opportunities for work at his company. These jobs include: asphalt paving, concrete, site excavation, utility, parking lot maintenance, sports fields, and stone slinging.

– UPMC Radio Tech/XRAY Lab: Christine Slojkowski, program director at the UPMC Chautauqua School of Radiology. She spoke about the hospital-based programs within Radiology and Laboratory Science. Students were so interested after the presentation that school officials are planning a tour for them to see the program.

– Chautauqua County Humane Society: Amanda Sublett discussed her experience working in a surgery clinic, general animal care, and being a humane educator. She brought examples of leashes and tools to use when handling animals in a humane way.

– Broadcasting, Jamestown Tarp Skunks: Dre Guiness, executive producer of broadcasting, discussed the unique field of work and how he promotes this local baseball team.

– Olean Fire Department: Thomas Rapport, a Pine Valley graduate, discussed the requirements to become a fire fighter.

– Department of Civil Service: Adam Dolce discussed general career pathways, an overview of the state jobs website, benefits, and Civil Service 101.

– Health Care/Nursing: Jeffrey Chase spoke about the many career opportunities within skilled medical care and nursing through Optum.

– Developmental Disability Services: Kristin Green, who works at a local OPWDD office, talked about the job opportunities and requirements within the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities organization.

– Department of Transportation: Thomas Beiring and his crew discussed the opportunities within the DOT. They brought one of their plow trucks, a road work sign, and one of their work trucks for a live demonstration. Students were able to sit in the plow truck and explore the vehicle.

– Job Training Opportunities: Leslie McTavish from the Cassadaga Job Corps spoke about the different job training and trade training opportunities that Job Corps in Cassadaga offers.

– Seneca Gaming Corporation: Joshua Howard, learning and development manager at Seneca Gaming Corp., discussed the many career opportunities within the corporation.

– New York State Parks: A group of individuals from the state Parks System discussed the many careers within their field.

– Hair Stylist: Chantel Powenski, a stylist at the Center of Attention Hair Salon, discussed the field of cosmetology and working as a hair stylist and brought mannequins and tools to show students a hands-on look at this trade.

– Good Skills Career Builder Program: Jacki Greene discussed how the Good Skills program offers targeted skills training and connects students directly with jobs that lead to higher-paying careers.