Under a warm, cloud-filled sky and the celebratory honking of semi-truck horns, nearly 1,200 students gathered at Big Lake High School to explore something vital to their futures: their passions, career interests, and the many different paths available to them after graduation.

The event, now in its eighth year, is the Big Lake Schools Youth Apprenticeship and Career Fair. It brought together students not just from Big Lake, but also from neighboring districts including Staples and Kimball. 

“And we plan to bring in even more next year,” said Big Lake High School Principal Robert Dockendorf—known affectionately to many as “Bob Dock.”

The fair is a large-scale, immersive event that connects students with a wide range of industries. Booths lined the school grounds with representatives from energy companies like Xcel and Great River Energy, law enforcement agencies, agricultural equipment suppliers, local and regional trucking firms, universities, technical colleges, and many more. These weren’t just simple information tables—they were interactive and hands-on, giving students the opportunity to engage with tools, equipment, and real professionals who were eager to share their work.

According to Dockendorf, the fair is part of a broader vision to shift the conversation around post-secondary readiness. 

“The data across Minnesota is clear — schools are overwhelmingly built for college readiness,” he explained. 

Elaborating on what he called this “tainted view” that every student has to go to college, when that simply isn’t true—or necessary—for everyone. For Dockendorf, “it’s an effort in trying to rebalance that perspective.”

That philosophy is what fuels the effort behind this event. Planning began back in April, and it involved coordination at every level—from industry outreach to student preparation. Wade Olson, Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Big Lake Schools, has been instrumental in bringing the event to life each year.

“The kids are coached on how to behave and act and on the right questions to ask,” Olson said. 

Part of this prep also includes a Career Interest Survey that students are given ahead of time to gain insights, expose them to options, and assess what industries should be represented.

The fair is not a one-off occasion, either. Students reflect on their experiences back in their homerooms and are encouraged to provide feedback. This input is used to shape future career-readiness activities throughout the school year, including personalized learning plans, online coursework, job shadowing, and apprenticeships. 

“We’re looking for that long-term impact,” Dockendorf said. 

The inclusive, “open to everybody” nature of the event has earned praise from parents, local businesses, and students alike. Organizers are already looking ahead to expanding in 2026, with hopes of bringing in more schools and even more industries.

In an era where the definition of success is broadening beyond traditional four-year degrees, Big Lake’s Career Fair is providing a much-needed roadmap for students—one that includes college, yes, but also the trades, apprenticeships, and other high-demand fields that are shaping the future workforce.