Some 800 students took the next steps toward their futures Friday as they learned more about careers available to them in the area.

The Next Step Covington County Career Expo was held at the Kiwanis Community Center, and students from Andalusia, Florala, Opp, Pleasant Home, Red Level and Straughn, took advantage of the hands-on, interactive career exploration led by local business people.

Nearly 70 businesses, colleges, agencies, and the military participated in the event.

The Alabama Fire College brought its simulator.

The Army National Guard brought trucks and other vehicles for students check out.

Students also had the opportunity to try their luck at physical fitness to get into the military.

The Opp Police Department brought bullet-proof vests and police kelvar for students to try on.

Local colleges also brought career technical programs to the expo.

Covington Electric Cooperative had a hands-on booth, and many others did as well.

Polly DuBose, career coach for Andalusia City Schools and Opp City Schools, said Friday’s event was a huge success for the entire county.

She said what makes their career expo stand above the rest is the interactive, engaging tools the businesses used to illustrate their fields.

“Our businesses stepped up their exhibits this year,” she said. “We are so appreciative of what they did to get the attention of our students.”

DuBose said that each individual school brought different grades, which was a decision left up to principals and guidance counselors.

Beth Dean, Covington County Schools Beth Dean said the expo was a great opportunity.

“I love that so many of our businesses come,” she said “The time and the resources they invest in the program is amazing.”

There were 12 stations from which students were able to get an idea of what they may want to study.

Stations ranged from science and technology to real world to finance, marketing, sales and service, health science, human services, hospitality, community, education, business administration, information tech, architecture and construction, agriculture, public safety, manufacturing and transportation, military and more.