It may be a few months out, but local career coaches are already soliciting help from local businesses for the second annual Next Step Covington County Career Expo.

The event is set for Jan. 15, at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds.

Opp and Andalusia City Schools Career Coach Polly DuBose said the first event was a huge success, bringing in more than 800 students and 80 businesses for the day.

The event garnered interest from the state career coach coordinator and the Region 10 Workforce Development officials.

Students from Andalusia, Florala, Opp, Pleasant Home, Red Level and Straughn took advantage of the hands-on, interactive career exploration led by local career professionals.

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

“We wanted students to know what careers are available in Covington County,” she said. “It’s very helpful for our students to learn about careers in Covington County.”

DuBose said that help from local businesses is crucial to the success of the event.

“We have sent out save the dates and are in the process of calling businesses now,” she said. “We want everyone involved. Your help is greatly appreciated.”

For more information, email DuBose at pdubose@oppboe.com.