By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Freshman Kassidy Beck may have landed a job from Hillcrest High’s recent job fair.

“I was looking, and I’m genuinely interested in working at the front desk at Alta Canyon (Sports Center),” she said. “I got an application. I think it would be a fun job.”

Students were able to talk to employers and recruiters at the job fair, which was set up along the sidewalk overlooking the football stadium.

“We’re wanting to give our students lots of opportunities to look into possible jobs now, during the year, or even for the future,” Hillcrest High work-based facilitator Cher Burbank said.

As the fair began, Southern Utah University landed a helicopter in the end zone and allowed students to check it out as part of their aviation program.

“We offer both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and the aviation field is hurting for people so by the time students earn a degree, there are jobs waiting,” SUU Aviation Recruiter Mike McCoy said. “Students can work as an aviation maintenance tech or become a helicopter or airplane pilot and by the time they’re done, be certified by the FAA.”

He also told students that there are scholarships available and there’s a huge demand for women in the field.

Sophomore Lily Rees was interested.

“I could become an aviation aircraft mechanic as a faster route to getting my FAA certification,” she said. “I’ve taken the controls in a flight before and it’s awesome.”

Other students were looking at other possible jobs, some that even offered tuition assistance for college, such as FedEx.

FedEx Talent Acquisition Coordinator Karen Peacock said students could get more than $5,000 of their college tuition paid when they work at FedEx, either as a full-time or part-time employee.

“We’re looking for package handlers who are 18 years old or older,” she said. “We’re a great company and can help with a college degree and they’ll get paid essentially to work out as they load and unload the trucks.”

Shantell Thornock, Levy Restaurant human resources manager, said they were looking for students age 16 and up to be a cashier, chef and work in the warehouse. They serve the entertainment and sports venues, such as for the Utah Jazz, RSL and concerts.

“It’s a fun environment and there are opportunities to move up,” Thornock said.

Wild Mid-Mountain Fire Protection was looking for workers age 18 and older to help install fire protection systems.

“We start at $15 per hour, then after training and learning the power tools, the pay goes up,” co-owner Becky Parkin said. “We’re a family-owned business, so we treat our employees well, including paid time off.”

Snowbird Human Resource Specialist Gondie Ambros was seeking students to work as housekeepers, floor inspectors, lift operators or work in food and beverage or the hotel front desks.

“We have lots of benefits like tram passes, hotel, food, retail discounts, ski passes and summer activities,” Ambros said. “It’s a happy, friendly atmosphere to work in.”