Venture into Your Possible Career this May

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May…career awareness? While that may not be exactly how most remember that saying, May is certainly a time for young people and employers to convene and let their future educational and work aspirations “flower” into the realm of possibility!

Specifically, May 9 is the day of opportunity as Workforce Resource, Inc. and the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board bring Career Venture to the L.E. Phillips YMCA Sports Center in Eau Claire from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for fun amidst career exploration.

“With our current economic environment where there is such a shortage of available labor and many businesses are facing a significant number of their workforce approaching retirement, we need to get our youth aware of and interested in the career possibilities right here in Western Wisconsin,” said Yolanda LeCount, Operations Manager with Workforce Resource, Inc.

Career Venture is held annually to foster career and educational awareness among students in the nine-county West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Area. More than 2,000 students in grades 7- 12 attend the event annually to explore future career options and prepare for the vital college and career decisions ahead. 

Introduction to career possibilities

For many students, an event like Career Venture is their first introduction to careers and training available to them within the West Central Wisconsin region. 

“Exposing students to different industries in West Central Wisconsin is critical because decisions on post-secondary school options often depend on their experiences in high school,” said LeCount. “That’s the great opportunity with Career Venture - a day of learning in a fun environment.”

Hands-on experience

More than 60 exhibitors will provide a unique hands-on learning experience and provide students with an interactive activity at each exhibit. Chippewa Valley Technical College has a semi-trailer with career simulators like a welding booth. The Eau Claire Police Department brings its alcohol impairment goggles to simulate the realities of impaired driving.

“There is often not much representation of industrial sectors in rural communities, so it is critical to expose students to the job possibilities that exist, many of which do not require the financial and time commitment of a four-year degree,” said LeCount.

The business exhibitions focus on 16 career clusters most commonly in need in the region, and students are encouraged to visit all of them and participate in a bingo-style game.

• Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
• Architecture & Construction
• Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
• Business, Management & Administration
• Education & Training
• Finance
• Government & Public Administration
• Health Science
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Human Services
• Information Technology

“The games and the hands-on booths are favorite experiences,” said LeCount. “One example is the welding booth, where students can create a flower, perfect to take home in time for Mother’s Day!”

Collaboration

Workforce Resource, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation working to improve employment opportunities for the individuals and businesses of Barron, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. Other event sponsors include:

West Central Workforce Development Board, also known as West Central Works, which provides workforce solutions through upskilling and other specialized training, work barrier resolution, apprenticeships and more.  

Job Center of Wisconsin helps connect employers to qualified employees, training, retention strategies, incentives and more, while matching workers to available jobs, training and support services. 

Venture into your career today

Satisfying careers are an aspiration for individuals and employers alike, and Career Venture is just one opportunity to achieve those goals. Contact the West Central Workforce Development Board today for more information on other ways to gain the employment you seek in West Central Wisconsin.