FY22 Trades Expo & Job Fair

Students from Oak Park & River Forest High School will participate in 'My Future, My Pathway Day,' in April to learn about OPRF's Programs of Study, long-term careers, and internships, work study, and Summer job opportunities.

East and West Leyden High School students have the chance to explore postsecondary opportunities in Automotive Technology, Barbering, Carpentry, Cosmetology, HVAC, Health Careers, and Manufacturing in September.

FY20 Trades Expo

Leyden High School students have the opportunity to visit the Trades Expo scheduled at West Leyden High School in September, to speak with representatives who work in the skilled trades.

FY19 Apprenticeship Expo

Students will have the opportunity to experience hands-on activities in the Trades at the DVR Apprenticeship Expo, presented by the Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO).  Held at the Oak Park and River Forest High School Field House, this day will include multiple stations supervised by journeyman in 10 different areas of the trades. Students asking "Can I see myself doing this?" will leave with an understanding of the nature of the work in the trades.

Consider an Apprenticeship!  An apprentice is an individual who learns a craft through classroom instruction and on-the-job training.  Classes are taught by men and women who are skilled in that trade while on-the-job training is overseen by construction employers.  Unlike other training programs, most apprentices are paid while developing their skills. And as your skill level increases, so will your pay level.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recognizes the construction industry’s importance in the creation of jobs.  To help individuals get started on a career in the construction trades, IDES developed the Apprenticeship Information Centers.

These centers, located in IDES offices and in Illinois Employment and Training Center (IETC) offices, allow you to obtain detailed information about apprenticeship programs and also find out when specific construction trades are accepting applications for entrance into their program.

Requirements for Application: (Bring the following with you into the IDES Center.)

• Your High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
• The name(s) and address(es) of the high school(s) or vocational school(s) you’ve attended.
• A copy of your birth certificate.
• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two or three individuals who will serve as your personal references.