Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis is partnering with the Affton, Pattonville, and Rockwood School Districts to host two St. Louis County Apprenticeship and Career Pathways Showcase events.
The respective time and dates are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday February 22, 2025, at North Tech High School, 1700 Derhake Rd, Florissant, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday March 1 at South Tech High School.
Employers and apprenticeship representatives seeking motivated individuals ready to begin their careers are invited to attend. Families with students in grades 6-12, as well as recent graduates, are also welcome.
“These events offer students and their families a unique opportunity to learn about in-demand career paths across our region,” said Andi Harpring, SSD’s partnerships administrator.
“Employers and training organizations are eager to discuss job and training opportunities – many of which people are not aware of but lead to well-paying careers.”
Over the past decade, the demand for skilled workers has increased exponentially, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting nearly 700,000 job openings in skilled trades by 2031.
“There is a dire need for skilled trades today and for the near future. The skilled trade gap is real. There is a projected need for over 300,000 new welders by 2028, with only 82,000 entering the workforce annually,” said Rob Knoll, president of American Welding Academy, which is sponsor of the showcase event.
Vendors will include Mercy, NPower, Associated General Contractors of Missouri, Spire, St. Louis County Police Communications, St. Louis Community College, and many others.