RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. (October 26, 2023) – The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to host the fifth annual Skilled Trade Expo at Cyclone Arena October 24 & 25. The Skilled Trade Expo is an event that allows area students to learn in-person about skilled trade career options and talk to employers and training providers. In addition to career exploration, the participating companies have an opportunity to tell their story to our future workforce. Twenty-eight schools from seven counties attended with approximately 2,300 students. Over forty employers and trade schools exhibited in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, military and law enforcement, logistics & transportation, automotive technology, cosmetology, construction, utilities, agriculture, heavy equipment operation, and other career fields. Approximately seventy volunteers made this event possible, including a large group of local bankers who served as guides.

A teacher, with a school attending for the first time said “Our students really enjoyed engaging with the exhibitors. We have been to other Career Expos and this was much better. We are looking forward to next year.”

One student from Russellville High School commented ”I thought I wanted to be a dentist, but the brain display from St. Mary’s hospital really impressed me. I want to learn more information about careers in the health care field”

The Russellville Chamber promotes workforce development with the Skilled Trade Expo and other programs including the Chamber Job Finder website and app, Inspire River Valley that connects schools with local employers, and Workforce Signing Day. In April 2024, Russellville will host a Be Proud Be Pro Draft Day, an event that matches graduates with employers. For more information about these or other workforce development programs, contact Suzy Griffin, Workforce Development Director for the Russellville Chamber of Commerce at (479) 968-2530.