STCC Welcomes More Than 50 Employers, Schools to College and Career Fair

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) welcomed job seekers, students, alumni, and community members to the Glorious Jobs Galore College and Career Fair on April 9.

The event featured more than 60 tables with local and regional employers, as well as representatives from four-year colleges and universities. The fair was open to STCC students, alumni, prospective students, and members of the public, offering access to full-time and part-time jobs, internships, and transfer guidance, all under one roof.

“Today is a great day,” said Nathan Andary, director of Career Services at STCC. “We have employers and colleges and universities here for both the career and college transfer fair. We have approximately 55 employers that span all the disciplines — from nursing to laser optics and photonics, HVAC, electrical engineering, social work, and anything you can imagine. This is a way to bring employers and put job seekers together in a reduced-barrier kind of way.”

Darcey Kemp, vice president of Student Affairs at STCC, said the event reflects the college’s mission to support its students beyond the classroom. “Career and transfer readiness are critical to student success. Events like this empower our students to envision their next steps, build confidence, and make real-world connections that can change their lives. It’s inspiring to see the energy on campus today.”

Employers praised the fair as an accessible, targeted way to meet potential hires, many of whom have technical and professional training from STCC.

Joshua Prouser, a 2014 STCC graduate and now inside sales application engineer at Flow Tech Inc., noted that, “being that this is a technical school, we think this is a really good opportunity to find new talent. A career fair is a great place to bring students and prospective employers together in an easy environment.”

Kerry Malo, who works at Amity Street Dental in Amherst, said she hoped to meet soon-to-be graduates from STCC’s dental hygiene program. “We are hoping that we can actually just extend out and reach them and give them an opportunity as soon as they graduate. Since COVID, it’s been difficult finding licensed professionals.”

Christina Pietroniro of Singer Equipment Co. added that “we’re hoping to come out of here with a few résumés and a lot of interest.”

Rachael Larriu, HR and recruiting manager of Administration and Finance at UMass Amherst, said the university is focused on spreading awareness about trades positions and facilities jobs. “We’re trying to highlight our HVAC and refrigeration programs and let STCC graduates know there are opportunities at UMass. We’re also here representing our Admissions department, acting as a bridge for students thinking about transferring.”

STCC students also had the chance to speak with college representatives to plan the next step in their academic journey.

Joanna Lenfest, assistant director of Transfer Admissions at Westfield State University, noted that “Westfield State has a long-standing partnership with STCC. A lot of students from STCC, once they get their associate degree, will come to Westfield State. STCC’s one of our most prominent populations. We have MassTransfer pathways — a collaboration between state universities and community colleges — so they can jump right into their major with all their general education work done.”

Students appreciated the chance to meet employers and explore careers and transfer options in a low-pressure environment.

“I don’t really have a strict plan,” said Justin Baez, an energy systems technology student. “I’m asking questions, seeing what I might gravitate toward — and what turns me off. It’s great that this is right here on campus with a bunch of different employers. It’s cool to get the opportunity to meet them in the same place.”

Community member Bashir Islam found a lot of useful resources at the fair. “I am not a student here, but I am trying to avail myself of the job fair and the kind of services they have here, which is excellent,” he said. “I’m just trying to connect with businesses.”

As an added bonus, attendees had access to free professional headshots, helping them prepare for applications and interviews with a polished online presence.