For many, the first step towards a career is gathering enough information to help make a difficult decision easier.

That step will get a little easier thanks to the Workforce Development Resource Center and the Ohio Appalachian Education Opportunity Center. The groups are hosting a Career Awareness Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the WDRC Center at 120 N. Third St. in Ironton.

"It is to help individuals within our community to understand what paths are out there for careers," said Jewell Hackworth, Workforce Investment Act director. "The bottom line is to make the community aware of what careers are available."

Different than a job fair, this is the first time they have hosted this type of event. The free event is geared for everyone from youth to dislocated workers looking for a new path, she said.

Employees currently working in fields that include health care, food service, railroad industry, business management, nursing, pharmacy and more will talk to the attendees about the schooling needs, job requirements, pay, types of classes needed and other things that many people would like to know before they consider a career path.

"This is going to give the community a chance to become familiar with and observe careers in our area because they can examine the work roles of the individuals they will come into contact with," Hackworth said.

Also, three workshops that can help out job seekers will be offered throughout the day.

Financial aid workshops will be offered from 11-11:45 a.m., 1-1:45 p.m., 3-3:3:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m.

Workshops on online career resources will be presented from 12-12:45 p.m. and 2-2:45 p.m.

A resume writing and interviewing technique class will be from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Visitors may also get the chance to sample free snacks prepared on site by food service workers.

For more information, call Hackworth at 532-3140 ext. 225.