8th Annual Career EXPO Brings the Game of Life to EXPO Center
McAlester, Okla. - “Keeping It Real….Real Choices, Real Jobs, Real LIFE!” is the theme for the 8th Annual Career Expo. The event will be held at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester, Oklahoma, on Wednesday February 25, 2015 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. Bill Cordes. Since 1988, Mr. Cordes has keynoted programs for conventions, conferences, schools and universities nationwide. His programs have been featured in 49 states and Canada to well over 2.5 million participants. Bill combines humor and enthusiasm as he draws on his extensive life experiences as a former high school teacher, college instructor, television talk show host, life coach, and college transition specialist.
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, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, State of Oklahoma, PGT Trucking, International Paper, and Choctaw Casinos to name a few. There will also be representatives from colleges and training centers. Some of those attending include: OSUIT, 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 highlight 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.
This year, attendees will have the opportunity to play a life-size Game of Life. An over-sized game board and hands on activities will emphasize the importance of making good career choices. Students and job seekers can walk thru Reality Park, practice on the welding simulator, try their hand at racing a robot, visit the Manufacturing Education Training trailer, and much more! Experiences in a variety of career fields will be available. Participants will receive a free tshirt (while supplies last) as well as be entered to win a set of Beats headphones.
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, 2015.
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.