September 16, 2019 3:45 a.m.
The second Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo showcasing living wage career opportunities to high school students and veterans takes place on Thursday September 26th.
A release from the Oregon Department of Transportation said nearly 2,000 students from close to 50 schools and six southern Oregon counties are scheduled to attend the full day, hands-on event at the Seven Feathers Convention Center.
The morning session will include high school students from throughout southern Oregon. The afternoon session is designed for veterans and active duty military personnel and people that have been referred from public and private agencies.
ODOT Regional Workforce and Civil Rights Specialist Christie Meacham said the event “is an excellent opportunity to expose junior and senior high school students and veterans to the many family, living wage opportunities available in the southern Oregon construction and utility trades”. ODOT is one of the many sponsors for the “Empower the Possible” event, which is not open to the public.
The release said all attendees will explore 10 acres – inside and out – of exhibitor activities. They will be able to test their abilities with interactive displays and hands-on engagement. They will also be able to speak to industry professionals about what trade jobs are really like and learn how to qualify for trade career training and apprenticeships.
In 2017 more than 770 students and 100 job seeking veterans and disadvantaged youth attended the event, coming from Douglas, Josephine and Jackson counties. This year participants from Coos, Curry and Klamath counties will also be in attendance, according to the release.