The YouthForce NOLA + Junior Achievement Career Expo Connects Youth to High-Wage, High-Demand Industries in Our Region
“How would you like to earn $50,000 right after high school? How would you like to earn over six figures five years later?” This pitch from the maritime industry reverberated across a sea of 9th graders pondering their future career options. After a 3-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the YouthForce NOLA + Junior Achievement Career Expo returned to UNO’s Lakefront Arena on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Riverworks Discovery brought together more than ten local companies and educational institutions for the Career Expo’s first outdoor exhibit, and local barge pilots brought to life the fundamental role the river plays in our economy with an interactive stage show. Students were able to engage in hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlighted aspects of skilled trades and the maritime industry.
The YouthForce NOLA + Junior Achievement Career Expo is an annual event for freshmen across Orleans Parish open enrollment high schools; this year’s Expo brought together around 1,400 freshmen and over 85 employers, training providers, and educational institutions to highlight high-wage, high-demand career paths specific to Greater New Orleans. Students rotated through the arena, learning from professionals about career opportunities in Health Sciences, Digital Media & IT, Business Services, and Skilled Crafts & Manufacturing, all pathways that are forecasted to have immense growth locally over the next several years. Students reported the impact: “The highlight of the Career Expo for me was going around to different panels and hearing about different careers that I knew nothing of prior to going to the Career Expo.” Others wished they had even more time to interact with the exhibitors.
This year’s Career Expo also included a targeted focus on career opportunities for students with disabilities. Local employers and organizations that offer training and supported employment positions, like Audubon Nature Institute and Opportunities Academy, were present to make sure that all students can achieve their career goals.
Working with YouthForce NOLA to put on the annual Career Expo has shown to be a prosperous partnership for JA, local schools, and employers. Companies relish in the opportunity to start workforce development initiatives at a timely age, while school personnel are better to support the informed career goals of students. Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans’ president Larry Washington put it best: “If students aren’t aware that a specific industry or position exists, they won’t be able to start preparing for the role and, ultimately, filling the demand for these high-wage career openings.” If you would like to volunteer or have a company who would like to participate in the 2024 Expo, please reach out to Lauren@jagno.org.