Shell understands, as many of our other local Industries, that local talent is abundant, but as is usual, talent is even more valuable when it is knowledgeable and well trained.

The “hands-on” training that students receive at the Reserve Campus is second to none. While Industry’s first choice in hiring is local citizens, it is often handicapped by those applying for the open positions.

If there are few local people applying or if they have not been trained for the work, there is little choice but to hire from other geographic locations.

Shell has made it a priority to try and increase the local hiring pool by sponsoring an annual event.

For the past five years, Career Link has been held in the Spring at the Reserve Campus. This event is to inform local high school students and their parents about local careers in Industry.

It is a great opportunity and it is free to the attendees. Shell has graciously sponsored the event each year.

This year, for the first time, there are four $1,000 Scholarships that will be awarded during the event.

Any high school student, who registers at the door, will be eligible to win one of these Scholarships.

Parents, mark your calendars today for this incredible event and plan to bring your student(s).

Students currently enrolled in 10th, 11th and 12th grades are invited to attend, along with their parents.

Wednesday/April 18 from 5 until 8 p.m., the Reserve campus will be hosting its signature event open to all of the three parish area high schools.

Representatives from Industry, in all three parishes, will be highlighting their current and future job needs. This is a perfect opportunity for parents and their children to speak one-on-one with Industry to discuss local jobs.

As students are choosing their classes and the direction they wish their future careers to focus on, this event gives them a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of what careers will be available as they head towards graduation.

River Parishes Community College, Reserve Campus will support the event by having each program available with Advisors who can tie the training to the career.

Financial Aid and other Student Services Representatives will be available to answer Admissions questions. There will be dinner provided to all attendees.

To RSVP please email randivicknair@rpcc.edu. An RSVP is not required to attend the event; but helps with the food count.

Penelope Shumaker is Campus Dean for South Central Louisiana Technical College. She is at the Reserve Campus. Email her at penelopefreeman@ scl.edu.