Come with us on the official photo tour of the 12th annual NW Youth Careers Expo on Feb. 24, 2016. This career-education event attracted about 6,500 students from 75+ high schools throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
We were happy to have a record 161 exhibitors this year, given the strong demand from high schools. Our exhibitors included about 100 of the region’s top employers, as well as colleges, apprenticeship training centers and universities.
After getting our bearings, we started out in the Technology Zone. Our expanded tech zone included many new exhibitors. SEE MORE TECH PHOTOS HERE.
Next, we explored the Health Care Zone. Health care is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Oregon economy, so we took our time. SEE MORE HEALTH PHOTOS HERE.
Then we ventured into the Construction Zone, a world unto itself with about three dozen exhibitors. SEE MORE CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS HERE.
After that, it was time for mock interviews. More than 1,750 students had one-on-one mock job interviews this year, thanks to the stellar volunteer outreach by the Portland HR Management Association, one of our sponsors. SEE MORE MOCK INTERVIEW PHOTOS HERE.
Then we dove back into the Expo and checked out some manufacturing, transportation and energy exhibitors, along with the bomb squad at the Port of Portland. Gunderson’s welding demonstration is always a big hit. SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE.
We ventured onward to the Nike and Wieden+Kennedy exhibits. Finally, we wrapped up the day with an eclectic mix of the inspiring, informative and unexpected. A career in public safety? The military? TV and film? The possibilities feel endless, which is what we love most about the Expo. SEE MORE PHOTOS HERE.
Additional reading:
- See a photo gallery of the 2016 PWA Breakfast
- See media coverage of the 2016 Expo (The Oregonian/OregonLive)
- See a PPS video of the 2016 Expo, which highlights mock interviews
- See PPS coverage of the Expo
- See who participated: View sponsors, exhibitors and schools
Note: Many of these photographs were taken for PWA by Kim Blau Photography. A few are snapshots by PWA staff. Kindly use only with permission, please.
