MILTON — In spite of the sour economy and generally depressing employment prospects, students attending the Central Pennsylvania Career Fair at Milton Area Senior High School on Tuesday seemed optimistic about the future.

More than 25 organizations, ranging from health and human services providers to post-secondary educational institutions and area manufacturing and service businesses, set up booths to provide information to the young people.

“They like trying on the welding gear,” said Ashlee Henry, human resources manager at CMC Joist and Deck, of New Columbia, as she showed a display including a welding hood and protective jacket on the table, along with a welding machine. “There seems to be a lot of interest in what we do, and we try to give them an idea of what it’s like to work in the industry.”

Henry said in spite of the economy, the company remains optimistic.

“We try to give the young people advice and hope the economy turns around.”

Chris Shawley, a designer at Playworld Systems, a manufacturer of playground and park equipment in Lewisburg, said he was enjoying discussing his background with students.

“I’m a graduate of Penn Tech in computer-assisted design and product design,” he said.

“I explain to them what we do, what kinds of jobs we actually have and what kind of education they need,” he said. “It seems like the older kids already know pretty much what they want to do.”

Senior Alexa Shuman said she enjoyed attending the event, even though she’s attended similar fairs in the past.

“There’s always a few different things every year,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity to find out about jobs and schools.”

She’s waiting for her acceptance letter from Bloomsburg University, where she hopes to study special education.

Kody Koser said he already has been accepted at both Pennsylvania College of Technology and Wilkes University. He hasn’t quite decided which school he’ll attend.

“I’m interested in mechanical engineering,” he said.

The career fair, held in the school gym, attracted students from Milton Area Senior High School and the district’s middle school, eighth- and 10th-graders from the Warrior Run School District as well as students from the Watsontown Christian and Meadowbrook Christian schools.

“I think this kind of event helps young people become aware of the kinds of classes they should schedule,” said Tabitha Beaver, education coordinator for the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, which co-sponsored the fair.