Connecting Industry Job Opportunities with Career Fairs

Career fairs are an important part of ORLA and the Oregon Hospitality Foundation's workforce development efforts with our main goal focused on assisting producers of these events make stronger connections to hospitality industry employers. Registering for these events and having a booth presence is one of the more straightforward ways you can connect potential applicants with your job openings.

As regional workforce boards, school districts, and the Oregon Employment Department promote in-person job and career fairs, we will try to pass along that information in case your company has an interest in participating.

Here are some upcoming fairs and opportunities to consider:

Salem-Area College & Career Fair Fall | October 16, 2023, Chemeketa Community College
The event is hosted by the Salem-Keizer School District; see flyer for more information. If you want to participate as a vendor, please contact Kim Conolly at McNary High School. 

North Marion Business Fairs | October 17 (Woodburn) and October 19 (Brooks)
Participation at the North Marion Business Resource Fair provides an excellent opportunity to connect with businesses and entrepreneurs looking for resources to start or grow a business, hire employees, or those seeking capital. These are bilingual events; download the flyers in English and Spanish. Please complete the poll to confirm your participation and commitment to assist North Marion businesses and entrepreneurs. For questions, please reach out to Jamie Johnk, Economic Development Director, City of Woodburn, at 503.980.6319.

Clatsop Works Summer Internship Program | Deadline to Apply: December 15
This program partners with employers to provide local high school and college students, ages 16 and up, with professional, paid internships in Clatsop County. They are currently reaching out to businesses to encourage hiring a summer intern for 2024. Misty Bateman, Program Manager for Clatsop WORKS Internship Program has received feedback from visiting the Clatsop County High Schools and Clatsop Community College that students are interested in an internship in Hospitality or Culinary fields.

There are many benefits to hiring an intern, ie, helping close the skill gap and retain local talent. You can help a student develop important workplace skills such as professionalism, leadership, and effective communication, while developing future high school and community college graduates to contribute value-adding work to your business now and in the future. 

The application is now open, see the website for details; employers are asked to apply by December 15, 2023. For questions, reach out to Misty Bateman, Clatsop WORKS Paid Internship Program & CCC Cooperative Work Experience at 503.338.2507.

College & Career Fair Expo | March 13, 2024, Forest Grove High School
Register online or contact Vicki VanLoo at 503-359-2432 X3607.

Have questions on Oregon Hospitality Foundation's workforce activities? Contact ORLA CEO Jason Brandt or OHF ProStart Liaison/Executive Coordinator Courtney Smith.