The student job fair at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School continues to grow, with more than 700 students from MVRHS and Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School expected to attend the fair next week to look for part-time, seasonal and full-time work.

The fair takes place Wednesday, April 3, from 11:30 to 2 p.m.

According to Paul Angelico, the business instructor at regional high school who organizes the event each year, over 50 local businesses have already signed up to speak with students.

A full house at last year's job fair. — Mark Alan Lovewell

“We’ve got a good mix of people,” he said. “Kids can find whatever they’re interested in.”

The student population is an important part of the workforce for local businesses, Mr. Angelico said. Companies know that local students do not have to contend with the obstacle of navigating the expensive housing market on-Island.

“The kids here don’t need housing. So if you’re hiring busboys, servers...they live with mom and dad,” he said. “It really makes it easier for hospitality businesses as well.”

Mr. Angelico said that a wide variety of businesses will be in attendance, representing the municipal, banking and hospitality industries, building trades and more. The fair will be held in the regional high school gym to accommodate the growing number of participants.

“We’re going to have the school jazz band playing music there, so a little entertainment going on,” he added.

In his class, Mr. Angelico has helped students with everything from crafting resumes to discussing how to dress for an interview. He said these skills are particularly important for students not heading to college, who will therefore not have access to college career centers in the future.

Mr. Angelico also stressed the importance of the career fair for students looking to enter into the workforce immediately, instead of going to college.

“It’s not for everybody, and I think the school is able to recognize that,” he said referring to the college track and highlighting how expensive it has become. “Kids are starting to recognize it.”

The application for businesses who want to attend the job fair will be open until Sunday. Email Paul Angelico at paul.angelico@mvyps.org to apply.