Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Trades Career Fair

Join Us at a PCC Career Pathways & STEP Trades Career Fair!

The PCC Career Pathways & STEP Program is excited to host Trades Career Fairs, where you’ll have the chance to connect with over 50 local employers from the trades industry! Whether you’re an experienced trades student, new to the field, or simply exploring career options, this fair is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the companies hiring in the Portland area.

We’re here to help you make the most of your career journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, YOU BELONG at the Trades Career Fair!

Our Trades Career Fair is free and open to the public!

We hope to see you there!

Upcoming event details

• Date: Spring 2026
• Time: TBD
• Location: TBD

Thank you to these employers who attended the fall 2025 trades fair:

A-dec Acumed Adecco Aerotek American Heating Area 1 Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) Axiom Custom Products Boilermakers Local 555 City of Beaverton City of Portland Bureau of Fleet & Facilities Cochran Inc. Columbia Machine, Inc. Consolidated Precision Products FedEx General Parts Group Graphic Packaging International Greenberry Industrial Hoffman Construction

Hunter Davisson Integrated Metal Components, Inc. Ironworkers Local 29 Ironworkers Local 516 Jacobs Heating & Air Conditioning Jireh Semiconductor Knife River Leupold + Stevens, Inc. Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc. Manpower Microchip NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center NW College of Construction NW Natural Oregon Building Officials Association

Oregon Steel Mills OrePac Building Products POIC Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Portland General Electric Retronix Semiconductor Roth Home Security Signs SMART Local 16 SoBro Construction Sun Glow Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical TEC Equipment Tradesmen International TriMet Union Pacific Railroad Verstela Staffing Western Machine Works LLC Ziply Fiber

Get the Most Out of the Career Fair

Not sure what to do before, during, or after the career fair? We’ve got you covered.

Before the Career Fair

• Update your resume: Join an online or in-person workshop to master resume essentials, learn how to tailor your resume for maximum impact, and boost your confidence to land your next opportunity.
  • Online events hosted by PCC’s Career Services team: https://events.pcc.edu/all/tags/careers%20and%20jobs
  • Upcoming Job & Career events at Multnomah County Libraries: https://multcolib.org/events-classes?field_event_type_target_id=671
  • Live expert help from a coach through Washington County Library’s Brainfuse service: https://www.wccls.org/digital-collections/brainfuse-jobnow
• Do your research: Check out which employers will be there and do a little research—what trades are they in? What roles are they hiring for?
• Prep your intro: Throughout your job search, you’ll need to introduce yourself in person and on paper— should you use your elevator pitch? Here’s a quick guide to help you make every version count: https://joinhandshake.com/blog/students/introduce-yourself-during-job-search/ 
• Bring questions: Asking thoughtful questions shows you’re prepared and curious—have a few ready to spark conversation and learn more about each company: https://www.resumehelp.com/career-blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-career-fair

Day of the Career Fair

• Come prepared: Bring a notebook or printouts with info about the employers you’re planning to meet. And bring a few printed resumes (or make sure your online profile is up to date and public), and feel free to offer your resume early in the conversation to guide discussion. Pointing out relevant experiences while you talk helps recruiters connect your story to the opportunities they’re hiring for.
• Takes notes and names: Jot down who you met and what you talked about—it’ll help when you follow up later.
• Connect with confidence – your way!: It’s normal to feel nervous when meeting employers, especially in busy environments like career fairs. Start by approaching each booth with a friendly attitude and introduce yourself in a way that feels comfortable—smiling, making eye contact, and offering a handshake if appropriate. Some recruiters may skip handshakes due to personal or health boundaries, and that’s okay—respect their space and lead with kindness.
• As you wrap up, thank them for their time and, if it feels right, ask how you can stay in touch—an email, business card, or LinkedIn connection are all great options. Remember: your comfort and boundaries matter. Show up in a way that feels true to you.

After the Fair

• Follow up: If you got someone’s contact info, send a thank-you email within 24-48 hours. Many employers go to multiple career fairs a week so it’s important to get on their radar ASAP. Mention something you talked about and let them know your next step (like applying).
• Apply for Jobs: Saw something that sparked your interest? Don’t wait—submit your application while your name is still fresh.
• Stay Connected: Follow employers on LinkedIn or their job boards to stay in the loop for new opportunities.

TIP! Don’t stress about being perfect—just show up curious, prepared, and ready to learn. Every conversation is a step forward.

Spread the Word! Help us get the word out by sharing this event on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Don’t forget to invite your friends!

Don’t Miss Out! This is your opportunity to make connections that could kickstart or advance your career in the trades. We hope to see you there!

Trades Fair employer form