Youth Job Fair to be Held Thursday, April 13

By any measure, the coronavirus pandemic was incredibly disruptive for working people. As the Portland region and the nation transition to a post-pandemic economy, most jobs lost during the pandemic have returned – but unemployment among young people remains higher than for any other age group. 

To help remedy this disparity, and to connect young people in the Portland area with employment opportunities, Worksystems – the workforce development board for Multnomah and Washington counties -- is partnering with Prosper Portland and an array of other sponsors to host the Portland Youth Job Fair, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Portland. 

Job Fair employers and resources focus on opportunities for 16- to 24-year-olds, but the fair is open to all. Interested job seekers can register for the fair at www.youth.pdxjobfair.org. Same-day registration is also available. 

Featured local opportunities

The Youth Job Fair will feature more than 40 area employers who are ready to hire, including Legacy Health, New Seasons Market, Madden Industrial Craftsmen Inc., and Timberline Lodge, and others. Many will conduct on-site interviews and offer jobs on the spot. Many young job seekers face significant barriers to finding employment, and the Portland Youth Job Fair provides resources to reduce barriers. Available resources include on-site child care, haircuts, and job-related dress. In addition, job-seekers can access resume-writing and interviewing workshops, learn about area pre-apprentice programs, how to earn a GED, and more. 

“We are so excited to collaborate intentionally with our partners to put on this event for youth in community, “ said Sara Weihmann, senior project manager with Worksystems. “This event is unique because all employers attending have current openings they are looking to fill within their companies. Additionally, we have local service providers tabling at the fair who exist to support young folks with the resources they need to be successful both in employment and beyond.” 

To learn more about the Portland Youth Job Fair, visit www.youth.pdxjobfair.org.