When: Saturday April 14th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Where: San Pedro High School Olguin campus, located at 3210 S. Alma Street, San Pedro

Who: Harbor area youth ages 16 – 24: high school students, college students, non-students We do not ask for ID so if someone is out of the Harbor area or are a bit older than 24, they are welcome!

Why: Youth who attend this event will pick up tips, skills and contacts that can give them great advantages in our competitive world.

What: This is a FREE event open to assist Harbor Area youth 16-24. It is designed to assist them with the skills they need to be successful in both attaining and keeping a job. The day includes workshops in many areas, from resume writing, interview skills to networking, internships, and information about specific career paths. Every youth will have the opportunity to have a practice interview and to interact one-on-one with local employers and non-profit organizations.

We understand that many students are approaching new territory with learning how to write resumes, participating in job interviews and navigating job searches so may feel a bit out of their element. One of our goals is to provide skills to help them feel at ease, motivated and confident in presenting themselves.

Who is hosting the event: The event is produced by the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council and co-sponsored by the San Pedro Rotary, County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Andeavor and Phillips 66. These organizations, along with many community businesses and volunteers give freely of their time to offer as much as possible to
our youth participants. This is the 7th year this event has been presented.

Please check out the detailed FAQ below, and if you still have questions about the event, contact pedrolaurie@yahoo.com for more information.

Questions & Answers:

Q: IS THIS A JOB FAIR?
A: NO! Some companies may be hiring or accepting applications but we do not consider this a job fair.
Most companies will discuss internships, volunteer opportunities along with future career paths and
possible scholarships. Some companies may be offering summer jobs and other opportunities.
Last year some youth participants were hired or received internships as a direct result of attending this
event while others used the skills they learned to obtain jobs on their own.

Q: HOW IS THE EVENT DAY STRUCTURED?

  • 8:30 – 9:00 Registration and free continental breakfast is provided to youth participants
  • 9:00 – 9:30 Keynote Speaker and to learn how to get the most out of the day’s activities
  • 9:40 – 12:20 3 Sessions of 50 minute workshops
  • 12:20 – 1:00 FREE lunch provided
  • 1:00 – 3:00 Afternoon has 2 events running simultaneously: 1) Volunteer and Employment Opportunities – students can attend as many tables as they choose. Guidance will be provided to assist students in visiting the stations. 2) One-on-one Practice Interviews – a great opportunity to practice newly learned skills. Interviewers will provide positive feedback to prepare youth for future real job interviews.

Q: HOW DO YOU SIGN UP AND IS PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED?
Pre-registration is necessary to properly plan enough space and food for all participants. Register online at the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council website link:
http://nwsanpedro.org/pathways-to-employment/. Day of the event registration may be possible, depending on space available.

Q. WHAT WILL STUDENTS RECEIVE?
The first 200 students to register and attend will receive: a backpack, notebook with paper and pen, a folder with informational sheets on various topics related to the event, and a T-shirt. Some companies will also have additional handout items to take home.

Q: WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT THE AFTERNOON TABLES?
Participants will be able to explore career opportunities in a variety of industries and fields, talk to employers, and discover what’s possible. Representatives from a variety of employers and non-profit organizations will be present to meet to with youth to discuss job volunteer opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, career paths and skills. Some companies will be hiring for jobs and internships. Some may have summer or part time jobs while others may have jobs designed for those who have completed their education and are looking for full time employment.
Companies will review what they look for in job candidates, what experience and education is required, and anything else pertinent to that organization.

Q: WHAT TYPE OF WORKSHOP TOPICS WILL BE OFFERED?
Sessions 1 and 2 will offer topics relating to the skills needed to find and keep a job and other related topics. Some of the workshops booked so far include:

  • Business Etiquette – Learn how to act in a business setting
  • Entrepreneurship – Learn the Pros and Cons of owning your own business
  • Interview Skills – Learn how to set yourself apart from other candidates
  • Resume Writing – Learn the best practices in writing a winning resume that gets noticed
  • Internships – How, What, When, Why. Learn the benefits
  • Dress for Success for Less – Learn how to buy a professional wardrobe on a budget

Session 3 will offer career-specific topics. Each of these workshop facilitators will also host an afternoon table, so youth can talk more one-on-one. Some workshops booked so far include:

  • Careers in Programming/ Coding
  • Careers in Law Enforcement
  • Careers in Making a Positive Impact in Youth’s Lives
  • Careers in Trade Occupations
  • Careers in LA County Parks and Recreation NEW WORKSHOP
  • Careers in Technology
  • Careers in Marine Biology and Oceanography
  • Careers in Public Service
  • Careers in Real Estate and Property Management NEW WORKSHOP
  • Careers in Tech Engineering NEW WORKSHOP

Q: WHY IS CONSIDERING VOLUNTEERING SO IMPORTANT?
Our 2018 event is expanding to include more local nonprofit partners and the value of volunteerism for young people. Volunteering helps develop lifelong interpersonal and communication skills. Community service is an essential way for students to explore their interests, show colleges what they believe in, and define a possible career path. By engaging in volunteer work, youth have an opportunity to learn experientially. And volunteerism and internships look great on a resume!

Q: SHOULD YOUTH PARTICIPANTS BRING A COPY OF THEIR RESUME?
YES – Absolutely if they have one already created but this is not necessary. Even if they just have a draft, some prospective employers will review the resume and offer tips. This is important for youth to come prepared as much as possible with a list of their experience. This will help them in creating an effective resume during the resume workshop.

Q: WHAT SHOULD PARTICIPANTS BRING TO THE EVENT?

  • Re-usable water bottles
  • Resume and/or list of past jobs, volunteer experience, etc.
  • A positive attitude!

Q: HOW SHOULD YOUTH PARTICIPANTS BE DRESSED FOR THIS EVENT?
Business casual or professional attire is appropriate. Youth participants should be prepared to present themselves professionally. Shorts and flip flop type shoes are not appropriate; however we do not want any youth to feel uncomfortable if they do not have business casual clothes. Just shower and show up!

Q: WILL THE EVENT BE WELL-SUPERVISED?
YES! There will be adult supervision throughout the day to ensure the safety of all youth participants.

Q: IS TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED?
NO. Participants from the Boys and Girls Clubs in San Pedro & Wilmington may have bus transportation. All others need to arrange their own transportation for the day. There will be sufficient parking in the school parking lot. Car pools are encouraged.

Q: WHAT FOOD WILL BE SERVED?
Continental breakfast for those youth participants who arrive early will include fruit and granola bars. Lunch will probably include pizza (both meat and vegetarian options) salad, fruit and cookies.
Water will be provided throughout the day. We highly recommend students bring re-usable water bottles.