WHY ARE WE HAVING AN EXPO?

WORKER SHORTFALL

It is estimated that 14,000 new workers will be needed by 2012 in the metals industry and even more in the construction industry, primarily due to retirement of the currently aging workforce.

DIMINISHING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Metal and wood shop classes are being cut from both high school and community college course.

NEGATIVE IMAGE

Careers in manufacturing and construction are often seen as unglamorous, low-tech and a last resort for work, let alone careers.

LACK OF UNDERSTANDING

Young people (their parents, teachers and counselors) are unaware of the career path and potentially high wages that can be obtained by working in these industries.

Last year was the second of an annual event and it was a huge success! There were 56 exhibitors with over 4,000 students (from Longview, WA to the Oregon Coast) that attended to learn more about the metals, construction, and healthcare industries. Students left the Expo with jobs and with a better understanding of what the metals, construction, and healthcare industries have to offer young people.

Company demonstrations and presentations took place throughout the day and were very popular with the students. Many students welded, figured out how far their paper airplane could fly, played with robots and robotic arms, and sat in a construction crane. Several government representatives attended and spoke to the students about the importance of the metals, construction, and healthcare industries, including Commissioner Sam Adams and representatives from the Governor's office.
The Goals of the 2009 Expo are to:
  1. Assist local youth with career exploration in the metals, construction, technology/arts, and healthcare industries.
  2. Help cultivate a future workforce for area manufacturers by enabling them to interact with more than 4,000 young people and other area industry employers.
Features/Additions to 2009 Expo:
  • NEW LOCATION! Oregon Convention Center
  • NEW INDUSTRY! Technology & Arts
  • More demonstrations and hands-on activities
  • More give-always and prizes
  • Mock interviews and career readiness presentations
  • More room and more fun!

For more information,
please contact:

Stephanie Kennedy

Event Manager
Total Event Connection
503.626.8197 

Funds are available for buses and substitutes

PARENTS WELCOME TO ATTEND

2009 Sponsors 

Columbia logoOSA LogoPDC Logo 

 

Coordinated / Planned by:

• Manufacturing 21 Coalition

• Portland Workforce Alliance
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