MEXICO — About 30 colleges, businesses and other organizations attended the third annual College and Trades Fair at the Region 9 School of Applied Technology on Wednesday to show students options for further education and jobs.

Region 9 Skills USA students wearing red jackets greeted attendees.

President Gabrielle White and Vice President Victoria Averill said the group helped organize and set up the event. It was one way to get the community involved, they said. Another is the Halloween Walk they are planning.

Skills USA teaches students leadership and how to include classmates in their decision-making. “We’re all working together to get things done,” Averill said.

Region 9 student Sarena McIntire of Mexico talked to a representative of White Mountains Community College of Berlin, New Hampshire. She said she’d like to do something with science or pre-med “or nursing maybe.”

She said she liked the environment of the New Hampshire school and the area.

Student Cameron Kidder of Dixfield spoke with Pam Puiia of Rumford Hospital and got a patient safety attendant position.

“I plan on keeping it until college or just until the end of summer,” he said. “I’d like to attend UMO and major in mechanical engineering.”

Employability skills instructor Jenn Barlow said the fair was moved from February to October so students have a chance to complete applications and financial aid forms.

mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net

Skills USA Vice President Victoria Averill, left, and President Gabrielle White greet students at the College and Trades Fair at Region 9 School of Applied Technology in Mexico on Wednesday. About 30 colleges, businesses and other institutions provided students with information on education and career options. (Marianne Hutchison/Rumford Falls Times)

Vocational student Sarena McIntire speaks with Stacia Roberge of White Mountain Community College in Berlin, New Hampshire, at the College and Trades Fair on Wednesday in Mexico. The third annual fair was sponsored by the Region 9 School of Applied Technology.