Annual Career Expo set for McAlester
“Winds of Change!” is the theme for the 7th Annual Career Expo. The event will be held at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, Oklahoma, on Wednesday February 26, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Career Expo creates an opportunity for job seekers and students to connect with employers and college or training facility representatives at more than 140 booth spaces. There will be something for everyone at the career expo!
This year’s guest speaker is Mr. Brian Aspell, Vice President of Champion Cooler, Denison, TX. Brian will be presenting his inspiring story of overcoming obstacles and pursuing his dreams in “From the Hood to VIP”. Recently, Brian received the 2011-2012 Friend of Education Award from Denison ISD and 2012 Employer of the Year for the state of Texas, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission. Brian is largely credited for implementing internships for high school students and recent graduates in which they are placed in technical positions within the Denison area.
The focus of the Career Expo is to connect job seekers with employment and training opportunities available throughout the region. Hiring representatives will be onsite from such businesses as: Trinity Industries, Tyson, Tulsa Life Flight, State of Oklahoma, Kelworth Trucking, and Choctaw Casinos to name a few. There will also be representatives from colleges and training centers. Some of those attending include: Oklahoma City University, Kiamichi Technology Center, OU, OSU, and Grayson Truck Driving.
The annual Career Expo is hosted by the Choctaw Nation Career Development Program. Career Development assists tribal members in obtaining high quality career and technology training which leads to industry recognized certifications and licensures. Currently, the program supports tribal members in training programs ranging from truck driving, welding, teaching, and heavy equipment operation, and wide variety of health fields.
A new component of this year’s event is the Veteran’s Resource Center. All Veterans are invited to visit this center to learn how military experience translates to job skills. “Veteran Friendly” employers will be identified and eager to meet with those in attendance.
The “must see” exhibits at this year’s expo include: Career Planning Exhibit, Dress for Success, FAFSA Information Center, Native American Business Showcase, OSUIT Career Spot, STEM, Robot Races.
Transportation is available to Choctaw tribal members in Southeast Oklahoma who make reservations. Members can call Deidre Inselman at (580) 920-2260 to reserve seating. Deadline to sign up for transportation is Friday, February 14, 2013.
The Career Expo is open to all persons interested in finding out more information about educational or employment opportunities. Admission is free.
For more information or if you would like to participate in this February 26th event, contact Kelli Ostman or Rhonda Mize with Choctaw Nation Career Development at (866) 933-2260.
Check out the “must sees” at this year’s event
• Career Planning Exhibit: Begin Your Future Today
Start planning your future today in our walk through Career Planning Exhibit. Begin with knowing your interests, then explore your options, followed by visiting your career choices and then on to experience career success.
• Dress for Success: You Only Get One First Impression
Do you think you are dressed appropriately for your big interview? Visit the Dress for Success exhibit to see how you can dress professionally for your career and on your budget.
• FAFSA Information Center: Don’t Let College Loans Weigh You Down
Think college loans are no big deal? Think again! Visit our FAFSA Information Center to learn how to go to college without carrying around a large amount of debt.
• Native American Business Showcase: Find Your True Direction
Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? Visit our Business Showcase and talk with some of our successful business owners who are living their dream!
• OSUIT Career Spot: How an Education Leads to a Career
How does choosing the right training affect your future career? Visit the OSUIT Career Spot. Meet with representatives from each of their programs along with the employers who hire their graduates.
• STEM in Action: Robot Races
Does STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) race your heart? Come to the robotics booth and watch how all four categories work together. Cheer for your favorite robot in the Amazing Race.
• STEM: The Future of Jobs
Science + Technology + Engineering + Mathematics = higher paying jobs, better job opportunities, job security
STEM field careers are some of the best paying jobs and have the greatest potential for job growth in the future. Come and visit the STEM Booth where you will be able to actively participate in STEM activities.
• Veteran’s Resource Center
You’ve served your country and we thank you! Visit the Veteran’s Resource Center to learn how your military experience translates to job skills and connect with military-hiring employers.
• DRETS Lab
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education (ODCTE) along with Kiamichi Technology Center (KTC) EMS Program have joined forces to develop and manage DRETS: A Disaster Response and EMS Training Simulator. This 48-foot mobile trailer brings unique training directly to community healthcare providers. Hospitals, EMS agencies, fire departments, educational facilities and other emergency medical organizations can request the use of the simulator across the state of Oklahoma.