Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm High School student Kolt Peterson tried on Brown, Redwood, Renville and Lyon County Emergency Response Unit (ERU) gear at the New Ulm Area Career Expo at the New Ulm Civic Center Wednesday.

NEW ULM — More than 500 New Ulm area eighth-graders and sophomore students made connections with possible employers.

The 17th Annual New Ulm Area Career Expo was held at the Civic Center on Wednesday.

New Ulm High School student Kolt Peterson tried Brown, Redwood, Renville and Lyon County Emergency Response Unit (ERU) gear on for size next to a New Ulm Police K9 Unit vehicle with lights flashing.

Peterson said he was interested in welding.

Jevin Zamzow of New Ulm also tried on emergency response gear and said he’s thinking about joining the U.S. Army or U.S. Marine Corps before going into law enforcement.

New Ulm Police Patrolman Greg Miller said many students enjoyed trying on law enforcement gear.

“Quite a few kids asked about schooling and what we do on a daily basis. It’s hard to answer what we do on a daily basis because every day is different. One day it may be slower. Another we may go call to call. I hope we can get a few to try to be cops,” said Miller.

New Ulm fireman Nate Zabel said students asked him about some of the tools they have and how volunteer fire departments operate.

“Big or small town, there is always a fire department. It’s a good way to give back to the community,” said Zabel.

Allina Ambulance Supervisor Mark Newman and EMT (emergency medical technician) Sarah Schabert explained how to use an automated CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) torso.

Interested students included Brelynn Schmid who said she’s interested in studying athletic training at South Dakota State University.

Miller Sellner Implement Human Resources/Safety Director Kathi Gruenhagen of Sleepy Eye said her company recently expanded and is looking for service technicians.

She said tech school tuition assistance is available for anyone seeking an education in the agriculture service technician or diesel technology programs. Applications for tuition/tool assistance are due by April 30 of each year unless otherwise approved by management.

Sophomore students from New Ulm High School, Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, Sibley East and Riverbend Area Learning Center were given a career cluster worksheet, pen and bag before they asked participating business employees about career opportunities.

Eighth-graders from St. Paul Lutheran School and New Ulm Middle School also attended the expo.

“Kids are really excited to be here,” said District 88 Student Placement Coordinator Anita Longtin.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for business and industry to engage with students and show them what careers are available,” said District 88 Superintendent Sean Koster.