Where Classrooms Meet Careers
How Huron County businesses, schools, and communities are building the next generation of local talent, and how your company can join in
Huron County, OH – Every employer in Huron County knows the challenge: finding skilled, motivated people to fill the jobs that keep our communities running. The Huron County Business Advisory Council (BAC) was built to help solve it by bringing businesses, schools, and community leaders to the same table. Students see real career paths close to home, and employers meet future talent long before graduation day.
The BAC has roughly tripled in size in recent years, and there is room for your business at the table.
Mission Statement
“The mission of the Huron County Business Advisory Council is to engage the business and education communities to understand and support the educational and employment needs within our county, while partnering with local and regional governmental entities and community leaders to ignite students to develop better futures for themselves and their communities.”
The BAC, co-facilitated by Huron County Growth Partnership (HCGP), works alongside regional partners including North Point Educational Service Center, the Erie, Ottawa, and Sandusky County Business Advisory Councils and their respective economic development organizations to guide students through a four-stage pipeline. Each stage is a chance for employers to meet students earlier and shape the workforce they will hire from.
Along the way, students are supported by a continuum of coaching and will document their experiences in PortfoliOH – a portal where they can track skills, companies, and career paths they are interested in. The pipeline leads to four pathways: education, employment, enlistment, and entrepreneurship. Every student benefits from employers that participate in programming – and it’s a great way to get your company name out there, too.
How can my business find new hires and participate?
Student Career Camps
Career camps give students a chance to visit local workplaces, see how products are made, or services are delivered, and talk with people doing the work. HCGP is coordinating four camps during the 2026–27 school year. Businesses can help by hosting a tour, demonstrating a process, or speaking with students.
The Pinnacle
This regional senior leadership event hosted by Bellevue High School this November connects students with area professionals through a keynote, panel, breakout sessions, and a business connection marketplace. Employers can help students explore leadership and post-graduation options by sharing their experience and career paths.
RISE Regional Youth Pitch Challenge
High school students develop business ideas and pitch them to local professionals. Business owners and community members can serve as judges, ask questions, and offer practical feedback. The program is organized with regional economic development and education partners. This year, an Erie/Huron County Qualifier event will be held on March 5th, with the 4-County Finals to be held on March 12th.
Senior Job Fair
The May 11th, 2027 Erie/Huron County job fair hosted at Norwalk High School will connect local seniors with employers who are hiring. Businesses can attend with current openings and staff who can speak to students about the jobs, pay, benefits, and qualifications available.
Teacher Business Boot Camp
Held in August, teachers visit local businesses to learn about current workplaces, skills, and career opportunities, then bring that knowledge back to their classrooms. Host businesses help educators connect classroom learning with real-world careers.
BAC Meetings & Getting Involved
The Huron County BAC meets throughout the school year, bringing local employers and educators together to discuss workforce needs, coordinate career opportunities, and strengthen connections between businesses and schools.
Meetings rotate between businesses in the different school districts across Huron County to make participation more accessible, showcase different local industries, and give members a better understanding of the employers and communities that make up our county.
Upcoming Meetings
- November 20, 2026 — Greenwich
- February 19, 2027 — Norwalk
- April 16, 2027 — Collins/Wakeman
Interested in participating?
Businesses of all sizes are welcome. Whether you would like to host a future meeting, connect with local schools, provide students with career experiences, or contribute to countywide workforce initiatives, there are opportunities to get involved that fit your business.
Contact Troy Parks at the Huron County Growth Partnership to learn more or join the BAC.
Email: tparks@huroncountyohio.com
Phone: (419) 668-4155
