Career & Trades Experience

Trades turn the lights on, keep vehicles running and stock our shelves.

There’s nothing more important than paving the way for a better future for young people. This is why it is our greatest pleasure to bring this event to Arizona’s Southwest Community.

We are proud to announce that our next event will be held on March 2nd at Arizona Western College. This 1-day hands-on YSWCA Career & Trades Experience is designed for High School and Middle School students to explore a multitude of opportunities in career placement within our community. With over 50 local businesses providing a challenging introduction to their fields. This informative and interactive event introduces students to future employers, revealing a world of thrilling career possibilities within our community.

Open for Registration- Registration closes February 3rd, 2027

Calling All Teachers! YSWCA would like to award one Yuma County classroom with a YSWCA Classroom Scholarship.

Submit your video explaining how your classroom can use the funds to events@yswca.com by February 17, 2027

Come Join Us!

March 2nd, 2027, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m

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What people say

Thank you and YSWCA for the opportunity given to my students to attend the YSWCA Career
Expo. It was a great event! I was excited to see an expo here in Yuma. I have taken my
students to similar events in Phoenix and Tucson. However, your event meant more to my
students because it was local companies reaching out to them.
There was an exhibit for every interest and my students especially enjoyed the hands-on
events; the crane operation, nail/screw driving, and PEX were favorites. The students were
excited by the many job opportunities and left applications and resumes with several of the
participating companies.
To my surprise, my students were also happy to see the middle schools at the event. They felt
it was important for them to be introduced to the trades early. Overall I heard nothing but
positive feedback from my students and they are already looking forward to going next year.

Brad Graham, Kofa High School Construction Tech Instructor

The career fair was a great event to showcase local careers that students have the opportunity to work for after high school! The 1st years event went extremely well and my students made many great contacts. Having more businesses in the future will definitely help educate students about many career opportunities that can help grow their business locally!

Thank you!

Mr. Smart, Kofa High School Welding Instructor

Thank you to all the local businesses who spent thier time and money to make this such a wonderful experience for our students.

Yuma High School ESS Department

Thank you to you and your team for the first ever Career & Trades Expo to be held in Yuma. Gila Ridge had students attend from multiple Career and Technical Education programs and during our debrief EVERY student was impressed with the offerings presented and the range of industries represented.

Students enjoyed the hands-on activities and were excited to see careers that are available in their communities. Students expressed appreciation for the event and especially liked hearing from employers who are local.

Thank you and we look forward to attending future events.

Norm Champagne, Gila Ridge High School CTE Instructional Leader

The Career and Trades Experience was very fun! I got to have hands-on experience and I learned a lot about the different trades. Normally we don’t learn about these occupations so it’s amazing to have the opportunity to! My favorite part was being able to use the tools and drills in the mini games they provided.

Aaliyah Camarena, Kofa High School Student

I think the Career & Trades Experience was very entertaining. I had lots of fun and it was cool learning about the different experiences. My favorite part was getting to learn about the different sections of the army.

Kassia Beard, Kofa High School Student

I never knew much about these trades, because I didn’t have enough knowledge, but after the C&TE, learning how much they make and the different opportunities, I realized that there’s still so much to learn, and it is reassuring and helpful to those who don’t know what they want to do yet or decide to go directly to the workforce. My Favorite part was the hands on activities.

Tanner Garner, Kofa High School Student