Pitching Fun to Future Workforce Prospects

​On March 19, 2024, the Portland Convention Center was full of bright young students looking to learn from the many career exhibitors that lined the space. The NW Youth Careers Expo drew over 6,000 high school students and educators from around Oregon to connect with their local job market. Representing the Hospitality Sector at this event was the Oregon Hospitality Foundation in partnership with Chemeketa Community College Hospitality & Tourism Management program.

Hospitality is the backbone of all the fun and memorable experiences that touch our lives. Choosing a hospitality career not only means becoming a piece of that experience, it also means taking a career path that teaches professional skills, provides growth trajectories, and offers diverse opportunities. The industry is also very accessible with low barriers to entry, and it welcomes people irrespective of their choice to pursue higher education. This is the very picture of hospitality that we are trying to paint for students, and it is these messages that we were echoing to the expo attendees. 

The reactions from the students at the event were very positive. Many showed interest in a hospitality career and were engaged in learning about the industry. Of those students, there was an encouraging amount who, with conviction, stated that this industry was their passion. From the voices of event planning staff to attendees, the sentiment has remained the same: Hospitality voices are wanted and needed at these events. As I looked around at the other exhibitors I saw big trucks, synchronized dance teams, and animated displays drawing students in by the dozens. Seeing this made me think of the potential impact that our industry could make at events like these. Hospitality is full of exciting stories, colorful visuals, and tactile experiences. 

In the future, I hope to rally many more owners and operators to bring their hospitality industry knowledge and opportunities to our growing workforce. 

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Want to learn more about how to get involved with our workforce development initiatives? Maybe volunteer for guest speaking opportunities, and job shadows, participate in job/career fairs, or offer experiential field trips? Contact Ella Sturdevant.