This week, youth at MacLaren participated in a semi-annual career fair to learn about a variety of careers—from sustainable building and other specialized trades to animal care to conservation to entrepreneurship, from placements in community-based organizations to in-depth apprenticeship programs to make them career-ready on completion. Throughout the day, youth also learned more about specialized educational programs and wraparound services to help them as they transition back to society.
Youth had the opportunity to learn about a variety of industries and job training programs from our partners:
PYB has a number of opportunities for youth including their Bridge to Construction nine-week pre-apprenticeship program that serves about 150 youth annually with hands-on training and career coaching and their YouthBuild program that provides job readiness through specialized career coaching, hands-on training, and certification through a six to eight month program that serves about 60 youth annually. The YouthBuild program is an intensive that provides highly individualized support, they intentionally have “small numbers to maintain our high level of services.” Services don’t end at the completion of the program—youth have access to wraparound services and career support for two years afterwards, including help finding industry apprenticeships.
Portland Community College (PCC)
PCC was onsite to talk to youth about different opportunities for youth. One of the programs PCC provides is the PDX Bridge program that supports students with experience in foster care, juvenile justice, or homeless services system. The program allows youth to get used to the college environment and provides a college coach to help with the transition. The program also allows youth to be a part of a cohort that has similar experiences, and access to a peer mentor who has previously been through the program and understands their unique challenges.
PCC was also on hand to let youth know about the PCC Opportunity Centers that provide workshops, coaching and help individuals learn pathways to certifications or degrees, and ultimately careers, in healthcare and manufacturing.
IMC Inc. has low barrier entry work in metal fabrication and machine work that offers and a variety of options for positions such as assembly operator, machinist, and TIG welder. “We provide on-the-job training, and many of our employees are cross-trained to learn a number of different jobs.” IMC Inc. spoke to youth about entry-level positions where they have the opportunity to start learning right away.
All Star Labor has offices in Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, and Bend. They presented about a number of industries they are currently hiring for, including manufacturing, custodial, and warehouse positions. One of the advantages they told youth about their agency was the sheer variety of work. The example used was those interested in jobs relating to a career as a mechanic—”We also have opportunities as a shop hand so you learn how to work on more than just cars, but all types of vehicles. Or you can also learn about auto detailing. Any job you can possibly think of, we have.”
Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center
POIC talked to youth about their ongoing 12-week paid construction pre-apprenticeship program and a 140-hour construction workshop paid program, among other opportunities. POIC also provides employment resources and career coaching for youth re-entering the job market from the criminal justice system. This was POIC’s second time participating, and as one of our youth said of their experience talking to them in the fall, “when you talk to them, it sounds possible…If you know what you want to do, then they’ll help you. And if not, they’ll still help you.”
Timberlab does large-scale timber fabrication and building through assembly using sustainable materials. As one representative said, “It’s an exciting field to be a part of, it’s growing.” Timberlab focuses on construction using mass timber—an engineered wood product that is strong and lightweight that allows for larger-scale wood construction with a smaller carbon footprint.
Youth learned about opportunities in manufacturing, installation, fabrication, and engineering. Timberlab launched in 2022 and already has some high-profile projects in Oregon such as the new terminal at PDX International Airport and the Multnomah East County 95,000 square foot library to be completed next year.
Individuals in AmeriCorps serve 12-month terms working with organizations across Oregon to address critical needs. During service, youth can earn living stipends, health benefits, and educational awards. Youth learned from Oregon Serves about the wide variety of placements available and the abundance of skills they can learn during their year of placement. “Plus you get to join the network of over one million alumni.” AmeriCorps Alums connects all alumni from AmeriCorps programs nationwide to job resources, education support, and other benefits.
Clackamas Community College Wildland Fire
One career path that has resonated with OYA youth is wildland firefighting. Youth at Camp Riverbend have an established program, and youth at MacLaren now have the opportunity to obtain firefighting certification through Clackamas Community College. Representatives were on hand to talk about additional programs and certifications available to youth upon their release.
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Reentry Services Program
Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Reentry Services Program supports Marion and Polk county residents who are transitioning out of juvenile justice. They provide a number of resources for youth to help them become established back in the community and job-ready. This includes critical employment services like resume building, application support, and mock interviews. They also provide several wraparound services like legal assistance, parenting education classes, transportation assistance, an on-site clothing closet, and more.
Eddie Bynum of Trap Kitchen created an entrepreneurship station and brought role models to share their experiences starting their own businesses. Learn more about Eddie Bynum’s work with OYA in the Oregonian’s recent article, “Advocates help Oregon’s incarcerated youth see the ‘bigger picture’.”
Project Pooch operates an on-site kennel to teach youth about kennel management, animal care, grooming, and training techniques. They also learn a number of soft skills like how to work and communicate as a team, patience, and the importance of giving back. Already this year 11 youth have participated in the program, working 3,000 hours and earning six certifications.
Oregon Youth Works (Higher Education Coordinating Commission)
Oregon Youth Works includes six workforce development grant programs that support paid work experiences for thousands of youth statewide. They were on hand to talk about their programs such as Oregon Conservation Corps, Youth Corps, Youth Employment Program, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Programs.
OYA Transition Juvenile Parole and Probation Officers (JPPOs) came to MacLaren to talk to youth about OYA’s transition services and think about what they will need to be job-ready. Members of our Diverse Recruitment Team also engaged youth in mock interviews to help prepare youth. Statewide education coordinator Jennifer Falzerano is planning similar career fairs for Rogue Valley YCF and Tillamook YCF and Camp Tillamook later this year.
Many thanks to the professionals who volunteered their time and shared their expertise with our youth!