Eau Claire Hosts Annual Career Venture Event Connecting Students With Regional Employers
May 7, 2026
Local employers will engage with more than 2,000 middle and high school students on Thursday during the annual Career Venture event at the L.E. Phillips YMCA Sports Center in Eau Claire.
The long-running event is hosted by the West Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board and has been a staple in the region for more than 25 years, offering students hands-on exposure to a wide range of career pathways.
According to Jon Menz, CEO of the Workforce Development Board, Career Venture was one of the first events of its kind to move beyond traditional career fairs. Instead of simply reading about jobs on signs, students interact directly with equipment and professionals from various industries.
“They’re able to climb on equipment, roll out fire hoses, and actually experience what different careers look like,” Menz said. “They go back into the classroom talking about what they want to do someday when they grow up.”
Career Venture also plays a key role in promoting Youth Apprenticeship opportunities for students across the region. Funding for the event comes through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a federal law signed by President Barack Obama on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to better align workforce development efforts with the needs of employers while helping job seekers gain relevant skills. The Boards service provider, Northwood Technical College, has also been instrumental in helping this event be a success for the region.
“This long-standing event provides an excellent opportunity for students to connect with employers, technical colleges, university staff, and other organizations as they explore potential career paths,” said Deb Nichols, Vice President of Business Solutions.
More than 30 local exhibitors will participate this year, representing a diverse mix of industries including healthcare, law enforcement, firefighting, manufacturing, food service, agriculture, consulting, and more. Organizers say the size and variety of the event remain among its greatest strengths, ensuring students are exposed to both traditional and emerging careers available in the region.
