West Valley residents are invited to attend the 2021 Skilled Trades Expo, a free virtual event that will bring together business and industry professionals, students and the community to learn and share information about job training, education and employment opportunities targeted at the skilled trades.

Energy, construction, advanced manufacturing and distribution will be discussed during the event, which will run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 1. Advance registration is required at https://info.maricopacorporate.com/skilled-trades-expo-2021

Registered attendees have a chance to win drawings for Amazon gift cards and other prizes during breakout sessions.

Business representatives will share opportunities with their companies, highlight the availability of jobs, conduct interviews and learn creative ways to reach the workforce pipeline through apprenticeships and PipelineAZ.

Prospective and current students will hear about educational offerings at local community colleges to prepare for jobs in dynamic and fast-growing fields. They can attend sessions from business and industry to hear what it’s like to work at their organizations and the skills required. They also will be able to create a PipelineAZ account that connects them with employers looking to hire interns, apprentices, PT, and FT employees.

Breakout sessions

The following breakout sessions will provide resources and information for students, the community, and business/industry. Attendees will be able to create a schedule to attend several sessions during the three-hour event. The following three tracks will run simultaneously and focus on the following areas:

Track 1: Business and Industry will feature companies like Palo Verde Generating Station, Rummel Construction, Landscapes Unlimited and Kroger Dairy. Participants can learn about current jobs and what the companies offer employees.

Track 2: Educational Resources will feature meetings with college/educational partners to learn about skilled trades programs. Participants will hear about the experiences of current students and recent graduates, and get resume preparation and virtual interview tips. Sessions about financial resources also will be available.

Track 3: Community Resources will feature networking with professionals from several community organizations that support those in the skilled trades. Build Your Future AZ, Arizona@work and PipelineAZ representatives will be hand, and participants can learn about apprenticeship opportunities for students and for businesses.

Expo sponsors include Palo Verde Generating Station, Build Your Future Arizona, Landscapes Unlimited and Rumco. Event partners include WESTMARC, Estrella Mountain Community College, Pima Community College, Central Arizona College, West Maricopa Education Center, PIma Community College and Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation.