You’ll probably hear it before you see it, but you can’t miss it. The Construction Zone at the NW Youth Careers Expo is a big, loud and energetic place where students can learn about careers and apprenticeships while also trying out everything from 3D printers and virtual painting to hula hoops.
In the Construction Zone, students can talk with men and women who work at some of Portland’s leading construction and development firms, such as Hoffman Construction, Skanska, Howard S. Wright and Walsh Construction. (Many of these firms are involved with the ACE Mentor Program, a 12-week, in-depth mentorship program for Portland metro-area students interested in exploring careers in architecture, construction and engineering. ACE will have a booth, too.)
Students can learn about how to land a paid apprenticeship, set up a job shadow, and explore other pathways into the skilled trades. Our exhibitors – more than two dozen of them — include the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute, the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center, the Northwest College of Construction, the Sheet Metal Institute and Portland Community College.
If design and architecture are your thing, you’ll find plenty to talk about with representatives of Heery International, Mahlum Architects, ZGF Architects, and oh planning+design, architecture.
Students can further explore educational paths to great engineering jobs. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers will be at the Expo.
SEE OUR FULL LIST OF EXHIBITORS
Below is a photo gallery from last year’s Construction Zone. We’ll be adding more details about exhibitors as we receive them. (Exhibitors may contact us at george@portlandworkforcealliance.org if you have additional information to share with students and educators prior to the Expo.)
So far, nearly 7,000 students and 170 exhibitors have registered for the Expo. Check out our “Meet our Exhibitors” page for additional printable flyers in technology, manufacturing, construction and creative careers. You can also visit our Expo HQ.
TEACHERS: BROWSE ALL EXPO HANDOUTS AND RESOURCES HERE
The nonprofit Portland Workforce Alliance works year-round with businesses in every sector to provide career-learning opportunities for high school students. Research shows that students who have the opportunity to learn about careers while they are in high school are more likely to graduate, continue their education and find satisfying careers. To learn more, browse our website.