BLOUNT COUNTY, Tennessee — Blount County eighth graders got a taste of the future at a career exploration fair on Wednesday.

The Blount Partnership, along with more than 50 local companies, hosted teenagers from Blount County, Alcoa and Maryville schools, along with private schools, to the event. The goal was to get the students in front of potential employers and to help them see what career paths are available to them after they graduate from college.

The event was hands-on, and employers didn't just hand students brochures. Instead, they offered hands-on experience to everyone who attended.

Heritage Middle School student Jack Henson said he was interested in a career as a first responder, or as an engineer or pilot, working on planes.

"I think flying planes is awesome, I think the e

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