LA Career Expo
Submitted By: Francisco Narciso
Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
Website: https://lausdadulted.org/
Type of Practice: Learner Transition
Program Area(s): ABE / ASE, ESL / EL Civics / Citizenship, CTE / Workforce Prep / Pre-apprenticeship, Adults with Disabilities, K12 Success
Region: Los Angeles Basin
Consortia Involved: Los Angeles Regional Adult Education Consortium
The Program of Practice
Despite the numerous opportunities provided by Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, many students and community members remain unaware of the potential career pathways available to them. The traditional emphasis on college pathways often overshadows skilled trades and technical careers, leading to a lack of interest and engagement in these fields. This gap in awareness and appreciation for CTE programs limits the potential of students who might excel in hands-on, skill-based careers. To address this, the Division of Adult and Career Education (DACE) hosted the inaugural LA Career Expo to highlight and celebrate the diverse CTE programs and career opportunities available through Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
The Response
To bridge the awareness gap for CTE programs, the LA Career Expo was designed as an interactive and engaging event, showcasing over 15 different CTE programs. Teachers and students conducted live demonstrations, allowing attendees to witness the hands-on training and skills development integral to these programs. The two-day event utilized relevant materials, equipment, and technology to enhance the demonstrations, providing a realistic glimpse into the classroom and workshop environments. By engaging high school students from 100 priority schools on the first day and the general public on the second day, the expo reached a broad audience, promoting CTE pathways. Information sessions were also held to educate attendees about career training options, including pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. This comprehensive approach ensured that participants not only saw the practical applications of CTE programs but also understood the long-term career prospects. The interactive nature of the demonstrations made the event highly engaging, fostering enthusiasm and interest in skilled trades. As a result, the LA Career Expo successfully showcased the value of CTE programs, encouraging students to explore and pursue these viable career options.
The Unique Features of the Program
The LA Career Expo's unique approach involved live, interactive demonstrations conducted by both teachers and students, providing a firsthand look at the skills developed in CTE programs. This first-time district-wide event featured a diverse range of CTE fields, from building trades and cosmetology to healthcare and cybersecurity, highlighting the breadth of opportunities available. The inclusion of relevant materials, equipment, and technology in the demonstrations ensured an authentic and immersive experience for attendees. The LA Career Expo also facilitated direct interaction between students and professionals from various industries, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities.
The Outcome
The inaugural LA Career Expo attracted over 3,000 attendees, significantly surpassing expectations and demonstrating a strong interest in CTE programs and career pathways. Qualitative feedback data from this event indicated that participants gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse career opportunities available through CTE. Quantitative data showed that 82.7% of attendees had a good to excellent experience. The event inspired many students to consider and pursue skilled trades and technical careers, empowering them to follow their passions and interests. By raising awareness and fostering enthusiasm, the expo contributed to a positive shift in perceptions of career pathways, potentially leading to increased enrollment and persistence in CTE programs.