Need a job? Tech fair offers opportunities

Fullerton News-Tribune

10.22.09

By Barbara Giasone

 
    A technical education career fair, aimed at boosting job opportunities for people who can’t afford the cost or commitment for a four-year degree, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Fullerton College. The public is invited to the free event.

    Counselor Rebecca Morgan said there has been too much pressure to get a four-year degree whether it’s needed or not. She said many students end up with a lot of school debt, and they still aren’t able to find a job they enjoy.

    “Welding, for example, is one of the highest paying trades and it doesn’t take a lot to get started with tools,” said Morgan, who organized “Operation Career Launch 2009. “This career can provide a family sustainable wage.”

    Morgan added: “We’re seeing a dramatic lack of students earning certificates in career tech fields.”

    More than 40 graduates and professionals will be on hand to discuss opportunities in dozens of fields including administration of justice, architecture, computer graphic design, automotive technology, radio broadcasting, construction inspection and cosmetology.

    The fair begins at 10:30 a.m. in Wilshire Auditorium with a seminar about the current state and future of Career Technical Education in the United States. Speakers include Lance Izumi, California College president of the board of governors; Chancellor Jack Scott; and brigadier generals Arnold Gordon-Bray and Michael Garrett of the U.S. Army.

    For seminar reservations, call 714-992-7257.

    An open house and career fair will run from 1 to 6 p.m. in the college quad. There will also be a Guitar Hero competition, Apache helicopter flight simulator and complimentary massages.

    “We are in a place to turn the economy around,” Morgan said. “We needed to get out there and tell about the programs available.”