At least 300 high school students will attend a major event with local employers who will talk jobs, longevity and a big-money payoff for future workers considering STEM careers.

Those introductions happen Thursday, Oct. 18, when the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization hosts its sixth annual STEM CAREER CONNECTIONS. The event gives juniors and seniors from Georgia and South Carolina a leg up on how to land high-paying jobs without moving out of state or sinking too much time into a college degree. It also takes the mystery out of what STEM really means and which local jobs require those skills.

According to industry insiders, the number of jobs in science, technology, engineering and math continues to climb locally, keeping pace with a national trend. It is estimated that for every two available STEM jobs in the U.S., there is only one qualified employee to fill it. Area business leaders are feeling the pressure, too, but that’s good news for juniors and seniors who might benefit from speaking early to local employers on a constant mission to fill jobs in manufacturing, nuclear science, engineering, programming and more.

Through STEM CAREER CONNECTIONS, educators get students interested in STEM and local employers begin to recruit top, local talent.

The sold-out event, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the KROC Center (1833 Broad Street, Augusta), is part of Nuclear Science Week. Students at the KROC will visit interactive displays, shake hands with industry leaders and meet young professionals who will share personal experiences about local STEM careers.

Over the last five years, STEM CAREER CONNECTIONS has introduced STEM careers to at least 1,700 students. Twenty-four high schools across six Georgia and South Carolina counties have participated. Many of those students live in rural, often under-served, communities.

“This event helps us directly communicate with students about the skills we need and the excellent career opportunities available locally in manufacturing,” said Kevin Hyman, Director of Human Resources for Halocarbon Products Corp., a three-time exhibitor this year. “Students walk away surprised at all we have to offer, and we continue to be impressed by the interest and caliber of young people in our community.”

Halocarbon, John Deere, ASCO, Georgia Power, Southern Nuclear, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Bridgestone, Bechtel, USDA Forest Service-Savannah River, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and South Carolina Electric and Gas are among 33 local employers that will emphasize how STEM skills are part of their jobs.