Students who want a career right after high school have an opportunity to learn about the good jobs available at the Career Tech Expo on Wednesday (Oct. 17) at Chukchansi Park.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is sponsoring what it calls the largest Career Tech Expo in the Central Valley.

Career Bound Out of High School

Nearly 3,000 parents and students have annually attended the event since its inception to learn about careers and educational opportunities available through many trade and training facilities in the local community, said Anthony Ayerza, the coordinator of the event.
“This night is geared for students who may not be college bound, but career bound out of high school,” Ayerza said.
Ayerza said the expo, which will run from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., is open to any student. No registration is required.

Making Connections

The expo, Ayerza said, will allow students to talk to industry professionals and get firsthand information about what each career entails such as working conditions and starting wages.
“The main focus is to expose students to industries and hopefully make some kind of connection that will result in future careers,” Ayerza said.

Bringing Technical Careers Back

The expo started as a way to recapture interest in technical and vocational fields, which had been steadily declining, Ayerza said.
“When we first started this, PG&E came to us and realized there was going to be a shortage with all of the baby boomers retiring in the skilled labor area of the workforce,” Ayerza said. “They were like, ‘Hey, we have to promote more availability of career opportunities because when these guys retire we don’t have a backfield.’ That is why we opened up this event.”

Over 120 Businesses and Organizations

Over 120 businesses and organizations will be at the event, Ayerza said.

Among them: Chevron, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, Fresno Police Department, Fresno Fire Department, John Deere, California Tiny House, Harris Construction, Sebastian, Kerman Unified School District, Fresno City College, Fresno State, and all of the U.S. military branches, among many others.
Ayerza said there will also be a huge representation from the automotive industry.
“There are a lot of opportunities out there,” Ayerza said.

Watch How CTE Leads to Good Jobs in Fresno