Allan Hancock College invited more than 1,500 local high school and college students to its Santa Maria campus for the college’s annual Career Exploration Day on Oct. 4.

The event offered students the chance to explore potential career paths and learn more about the college’s academic and career technical education programs.

“This event is an invaluable opportunity for students to see firsthand how higher education can open doors to rewarding career pathways and transform their futures,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers.

Students were also able to meet with representatives from more than 100 local businesses, as well as Hancock faculty and staff from the college’s various departments and degree programs.

In addition, more than 50 of this year’s participating businesses were hiring for entry-level positions and took resumes and interviewed Hancock students who were searching for jobs.

Businesses that were hiring include PG&E, the Santa Barbara County Education Office, SpaceX, and Adient Aerospace.

“It’s great to be able to meet the students who are interested in a job and have a face-to-face conversation with them” said Miguel Torrez-Fausto, a club director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast’s Railroad Clubhouse location.

“I can get to know them, learn their interests and what they are studying and find what might be the best fit from the positions we have open,” he said. “You can’t always do that when it’s just an online application.”

The college’s annual Career Exploration Day was organized by Hancock’s Career Center, which provides resources, support and opportunities for students seeking employment.

For more about the Career Center, visit www.hancockcollege.edu/careers.