(Story courtesy of WVLT News)

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knox County students got the chance to rub shoulders Thursday with future employers during the school district’s third annual career expo.

The hiring event is part of Knox County Schools’ 865 Academies program and allows teens to get a jump start on summer jobs, seasonal employment or even careers.

“We want to make sure that every student has a plan as they graduate, whether that is to enroll in a post-secondary program, enlist in the military to serve our country or go into an employment,” Executive Director of College and Career Readiness for Knox County Schools Shannon Jackson said. “And if they go into employment, it is with the aim of having a career and a family sustaining wage.”

The University of Tennessee Medical Center continued the tradition of being the event’s title employer. Justin Newman with the hospital said it’s an event they look forward to.

“What we really try to do is break down the stigma that a hospital is just doctors and nurses,” Newman said. “We’ve got multiple booths set up that will have patient transport opportunities which we can hire high school students or somebody that’s just freshly graduated for.”

Dozens of employers participated in the event, including Zoo Knoxville and city and county organizations.