Exploring Local Opportunities and Building a Stronger Workforce
Industry Day 2025, hosted by the Woodford County Economic Development Authority, brought local businesses and high school students together for a dynamic, hands-on experience focused on career exploration. The Woodford County EDA has been hosting Industry Day for over 10 years, and it’s a tradition they plan to continue. Through guided tours and one-on-one interactions, students had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, discover different career paths available within Woodford County beyond the traditional college route and learn what it takes to succeed in today’s workforce.
The event gave businesses a platform to showcase their operations, share hiring needs, and connect with the next generation of talent. Representatives from local leading employers like Dever Golf Cars, Ruggles Sign, Sheridan, Lakeshore Learning, Jack Kain Ford, and KESMARC LLC provided guided tours for students to showcase real-world career opportunities and the skills they value in future employees.
“Being able to see behind-the-scenes operations and gain insight into what a typical workday looks like in different occupations was really enjoyable for me because it gave me a better understanding of potential career paths,” said one student participant.
Local Employees, Real Connections
A key highlight of this year’s Industry Day was the enthusiastic participation from a wide range of employers, including manufacturing, logistics, and service-based companies. Many employers appreciated the opportunity to connect directly with students and share what makes their industries unique.
“I love partnering with the school system,” said Randy Johnson, Director of HR at Dever Inc. “It has helped us in the past. We've even gotten co-op students from Woodford County, and we're always looking for those opportunities. I'm never disappointed with Industry Day.”
Bob Padgett, General Manager at Ruggles Sign Company, echoed that sentiment. “There really isn’t a school for the sign industry. People kind of fall into it by accident, and Industry Day gives us a chance to show students that this is a real career option.”
In conversations with participating companies and students, many expressed that Industry Day provided a unique way to reach students who may not have previously considered careers in their fields. Feedback from both students and employers emphasized the importance of timing, suggesting that hosting the event earlier in the school year and focusing more on juniors could better support post-graduation planning.
Looking Ahead
The Woodford County EDA is proud to host Industry Day each year and is already considering ways to enhance the experience based on the valuable feedback received. By adjusting the timing and tailoring programming to students earlier in their high school journey, the EDA hopes to make future Industry Days even more impactful.
“Spending time with classmates in a different setting while exploring career options was a great experience because it made learning about future careers more engaging and enjoyable,” said another student.
“It was great to spend the day outside of school with my friends while also getting the chance to visit Midway. I really enjoyed seeing what local businesses are doing in our community and learning more about the opportunities they offer.”
Industry Day continues to be a powerful tool for connecting education with employment, helping students envision their futures while strengthening the local workforce. The EDA is energized by the community’s support and is excited to continue building bridges between classrooms and careers in Woodford County.
