Expo 2026: Exhibitors with jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities
Many employers at the 22nd annual NW Youth Careers Expo are hiring! Others have volunteer opportunities, internships, classes, or other ways for high school students to gain invaluable skills and connections.
Want to find them quickly when you attend on March 17, 2026? Just look for the lightbulb on display at their exhibitor booth, signifying they've got active opportunities. Below is a sampler to get you started.
Who says you can’t have fun and make money at the same time? Summer jobs let you earn some serious cash without giving up your sunny days. Whether you’re saving up for that new gadget, a summer road trip, or just want some pocket change, these gigs are perfect. Plus, you’ll build skills and connections that could come in handy down the road – all while having plenty of time to hit the beach or binge-watch your favorite shows. Win-win!
- ACE Mentor Program of Oregon
- Association of Public Health Laboratories and State of Oregon: DEQ Environmental
- Laboratory
- EyeHealth Northwest
- Friends of Noise
- JW Fowler Co.
- Life2Launch
- Lithia&Driveway
- Lundin-Ledgerwood
- MHCC
- Marquis Companies
- Multnomah County
- Omega Morgan
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Oregon Humane Society
- Pacific Coast Fresh Co.
- Pacific Printing Industries Educational Trust
- Pedalheads Bike Camps USA
- Portland State University
- Portland Timbers
- Stages Northwest
- Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District
- UPLIFT Leadership
- University of Oregon
- iQ Credit Union
Volunteering isn't just about doing good – it’s also about feeling good and making connections. Whether you're passionate about animals, the environment, or helping people, these opportunities let you give back to the community while gaining skills you didn’t need or possibly landing you a job for the future. Plus, you’ll build a circle of like-minded people and maybe even discover a career passion you didn’t know you had. Exhibitors with volunteer opportunities include:
- American Red Cross - Cascades Region
- Friends of Noise
- Gee Automotive Companies
- Kaiser Permanente
- Life2Launch
- Legacy Health
- MHCC
- Multnomah County
- NW Museum of Cartoon Arts
- Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Oregon Hospitality Foundation
- Oregon Humane Society
- Oregon Public Broadcasting
- Pedalheads Bike Camps USA
- Portland Police Bureau
- Providence
- Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District
- UPLIFT Leadership
- US NAVY
- University of Oregon
Need extra cash for weekend plans, saving up for a car, or just want some financial freedom? These part-time jobs are perfect for high school students who want to work without giving up their study time or social life. With flexible hours, you can balance work, and school. Plus, you’ll get real-world experience that’ll set you apart when it’s time to apply for college or full-time gigs.
- Association of Public Health Laboratories and State of Oregon: DEQ Environmental
- Laboratory
- Friends of Noise
- Life2Launch
- MHCC
- Marquis Companies
- Metropolitan Group
- Multnomah County
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Pacific Printing Industries Educational Trust
- Portland State University
- Sundt Construction
- Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District
- University of Oregon
- iQ Credit Union
Who says learning and earning don’t mix? Paid internships give you the best of both worlds – real-world experience and a paycheck. Whether you’re saving up for college or just wanting to treat yourself, internships pay you to learn new skills and build a network that could lead to a full-time job offer. Exhibitors that say they offer paid internships include:
- ACE Mentor Program of Oregon
- Andersen Construction
- Association of Public Health Laboratories and State of Oregon: DEQ Environmental
- Laboratory
- Benchmade Knife Company
- Columbia Bank
- Fortis Construction Inc.
- INLINE Construction
- JW Fowler Co.
- Life2Launch
- Lease Crutcher Lewis
- MECOP, Inc.
- MHCC
- Marquis Companies
- Multnomah County
- Oh planning+design, architecture
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Oregon Public Broadcasting
- Pacific Printing Industries Educational Trust
- Port of Portland
- Portland State University
- RJ Ramos
- Sundt Construction
- The Boeing Company
- Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District
- University of Oregon
- Women in Footwear Design
Okay, so you won’t be cashing any checks, but the experience is priceless. Unpaid internships offer a backstage pass to the working world, letting you learn from industry pros. You’ll get hands-on experience, make valuable connections, and gain insights that textbooks or YouTube just can’t teach. Think of it as investing in yourself.
- Life2Launch
- Multnomah County
- NWCyber
- Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
- Portland State University
- University of Oregon
Ever wondered what a day in the life of a graphic designer, engineer, or healthcare worker looks like? Job shadowing lets you follow professionals around to see what they do, how they do it, and what skills they use daily. It’s like watching a reality show, but way more educational.
- ACE Mentor Program of Oregon
- Andersen Construction
- Daimler Truck North America
- EyeHealth Northwest
- Friends of Noise
- Gee Automotive Companies
- INLINE Construction
- JW Fowler Co.
- Kaiser Permanente
- Life2Launch
- Legacy Health
- Lundin-Ledgerwood
- Marquis Companies
- NUNM - National University of Natural Medicine
- National Association of the Remodeling Industry, NARI Pacific NW
- OEG, Inc.
- Oregon Health & Science University
- PDX Bomb Dogs
- Port of Portland
- Portland State University
- Professional Land Surveyors of Oregon
- Providence
- Thesis
- US NAVY
- Under Armour Inc.
- University of Oregon
- Wonderfolk
- iQ Credit Union
Hands-on learning, creativity, fun or perhaps lectures. Whether you want to code like a pro, design the next big fashion trend, or learn leadership skills, these programs are designed to help you grow while having a great time. Plus, you’ll meet new people who share your interests and get a head start on college or career paths
- CREW Network, Portland chapter
- Kaiser Permanente
- Life2Launch
- NUNM - National University of Natural Medicine
- NW Cyber Camp
- OSSIA (Oregon Solar+Storage Industries Association)
- Oregon Humane Society
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Oregon State University: College of Engineering
- Portland Fashion Institute
- Portland State University
- Providence
- Southern Oregon University
- The Oregonian Media Group
- UPLIFT Leadership
- University of Oregon
- Wieden+Kennedy
Why wait until after college to start your career? Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, combining hands-on job training with classroom instruction. You’ll work alongside industry pros, gaining skills that lead to certifications and high-paying jobs – all without racking up student debt. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and your wallet full, these opportunities are calling your name.
- Area 1 Inside Electrical JATC
- Area I Plumbers Apprenticeship
- Area I Sign Installers Apprenticeship
- Benchmade Knife Company
- Gee Automotive Companies
- Glaziers Apprenticeship
- INLINE Construction
- IUOE Local 701
- Lithia&Driveway
- NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center
- National Association of the Remodeling Industry, NARI Pacific NW
- Northwest College of Construction
- OSSIA (Oregon Solar+Storage Industries Association)
- Omega Morgan
- Oregon Farm Corps
- Oregon Laborers Training & Apprenticeship - OSILETT/LiUNA Local 737
- Oregon Life Sciences
- Providence
- Regional Training Center
- Sundt Construction
- The Oregon State Bar
- UA Local 669 Fire Sprinkler Fitters JATC
- Vigor Marine Group
Not quite ready for the full apprenticeship experience? Pre-apprenticeships give you the foundation and skills to hit the ground running when you’re ready to level up. Think of them as a sneak peek – you’ll get industry exposure, basic training, and a head start on certifications. It’s like a practice round before the big game, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes next. Employers that participate in pre-apprenticeships include:
- Apollo Mechanical Contractors
- Job Corps
- Oregon Tradeswomen
- Sundt Construction
- United We Heal
Expo exhibitors: Have we missed anything? If you have an amazing “lightbulb” opportunity that is not listed here, let us know at expo@portlandworkforcealliance.org.
