Ninth-grade Suffolk public school students came face to face with employers Thursday during the Seventh Annual Career and Technical Education Professional Student Conference.

Held at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront, it’s one of three annual events devised by the school district’s Career and Technical Education Advisory Council to prepare students for the workforce.

“They wanted to support students through some interactive events to help them make that connection between what they learn in school and what’s required in the workplace,” said Gail Bess, chairman of the conference planning committee.

“It really answers that question ‘Why do we need to learn this?’”

Keynote speaker Kevin Hughes, the city’s economic development director, kicked off proceedings with an overview of industries, major businesses and ultimately employment opportunities in Suffolk.

During Q-and-A, students quizzed Hughes on a variety of subjects: when the new Kroger Marketplace would open in North Suffolk — Dec. 3, he said — the modeling and simulation industry and what’s happening with the old Lowe’s building on Route 10.

Hughes elicited cheers when he announced a Cook-Out restaurant is coming to the old Red Carpet Inn site on North Main Street.

“I think you can take from that they like the Cook-Out — they are ready for the Cook-Out,” Bess said when she took the microphone to thank Hughes for his continued support.

Students were able to sign up for three of seven sessions, presented by employers and employment-related organizations. New participants Turntine Insurance Agency and construction consulting firm MBP joined previous partners Sentara Obici Hospital, Target Import Warehouse, Virginia Career Education Foundation, Hilton Garden Inn Riverfront and J.M. Smucker Company.

Bass said the conference focused on soft skills, or workplace-ready skills, the recognized number of which in Virginia has risen from “maybe eight” 10 or 15 years ago to 21.

The skills include work ethic, integrity, being a team player, problem solving, reading and writing and communication skills, Bess said.

“We teach those in all of our CTE courses,” she added.

Students were directed to dress professionally for the event and were provided a plated lunch.

“These are what you call teachable moments,” Bess said. “That’s an experience they may not be able to get in the school building.”

One student, Orthello Delnegro, said the conference was “pretty nice.” He said he wants to work in “something involving technology and animation.”

Ciera Lee, another student, said it was well organized and that she was “learning something.”

Lee wants to be a lawyer.  “I’m a good speaker and I want to help people,” she said.