Oregon Tradeswomen’s annual career fair could end up being bigger than ever this year. After years of being hosted at the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center, the event is moving to the Portland Expo Center.
The much-anticipated two-day event connects thousands of women and girls to apprenticeship programs and lucrative career pathways in trades that traditionally have been predominantly male. The fair features not just booths but dozens of hand-on skill demonstrations, from operating heavy equipment to laying bricks to completing a circuit. Building trades unions and local employers use the event to find qualified, skilled workers, and to let the next generation know there are rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Last year, day one of the fair drew 1,529 middle and high school students and 85 school groups from Oregon and Washington. Day two drew 800 women and their families. Altogether, 99 unions, businesses, community colleges, government agencies, and other organizations took part, with 30 interactive exhibits or hands-on workshops.
- STUDENT-ONLY DAY Friday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Registration required)
- OPEN-TO-PUBLIC DAY Saturday, May 16 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (No registration required)
- WHERE Portland Expo Center, Hall E, 2025 N Expo Rd., Portland.
- HOW TO GET THERE TriMet MAX Yellow Line or free Park & Ride at Delta Park MAX Stop
