The Northwest Georgia College and Career Academy is hosting a career/college fair at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center in Dalton on May 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to a media release, this endeavor supports the county’s initiative to highlight the importance of both Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by covering the 17 potential career pathways of Georgia students.

Organizers expect more than 8,000 students to attend from eight Georgia counties and two Tennessee counties. More than 300 businesses will be represented, including Underwater Welders, Turner Construction (the world’s largest construction company), Volkswagen, Shaw, Mohawk, J&J Industries, GE Corp., Tandus Industries, Georgia Cattlemen Association and many more.

More than 80 colleges will also be represented, including University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee and Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science. Other notable exhibits will include University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology’s “The Body Farm,” high-power line engineers, U.S. military, U.S. Merchant Marines, FBI, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, GBI Forensics, NHRA race cars, Georgia Department of Natural Resources and much more.

Speakers will include Gary Black, commissioner of agriculture, 10 a.m.; Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrad, Georgia Army National Guard, at 11 a.m.; Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, noon; and Stephanie Hill, executive director, Women in Technology Today, 1 p.m.

The Navy band Freedom will perform before and after the speakers. All high school and college students are invited to attend this free, regional event.

If any business is interested in attending this year’s career fair, please contact Robert Broughton at robert_broughton@whitfield.k12.ga.us or call 706-876-3600.