High School Students Connect with Employers at 5th Annual Apprenticeship Expo
High school students from Riverside and San Bernardino counties explored real career options Nov. 18 at the Inland Empire Apprenticeship Expo. The annual event connects students with pathways to well-paid, long-term careers, often without student debt.
Students used ScanFactor to identify their career interests, helping them navigate the expo and connect quickly with apprenticeship programs and employers.
Moreno Valley College President Rudy Besikof, Ed.D., welcomed students and encouraged them to view the day as the start of their career journey. He noted that access to hands-on information and industry representatives helps students see what’s possible after graduation.
Inside the exhibit hall, students moved from booth to booth, speaking with representatives from construction, advanced manufacturing, health care, public service, transportation, and information technology. Many vendors highlighted paid training programs that let students earn wages while developing technical skills. Several exhibitors also demonstrated equipment and tools so students could experience the work firsthand, including a booth run entirely by Moreno Valley College apprenticeship students.
Led by Moreno Valley College in partnership with the City of Moreno Valley, the expo has grown into California’s largest apprenticeship event for five consecutive years. Under the leadership of Apprenticeship Director Rosalinda Rivas, the event reflects the region's strong employer demand and growing student interest.
More than 40 partners participated, including the Inland Empire Desert Regional Consortium, Forestry Fire Recruiting Program, Thrive Inland SoCal, Tomorrow’s Talent, Riverside City College, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Riverside County Office of Education, the Inland Empire Building and Construction Trades, the Department of Apprenticeship Standards, labor unions, and industry employers. Tomorrow’s Talent and Riverside City College played key roles in planning and coordination.