UCC will open at 10am today.
UCC will open at 10am today.
ROSEBURG, Ore., Apr. 30, 2025 – More than 400 students from Douglas County schools gathered on April 24 for the Career & Technology Education (CTE) Career Fair Day. Students from Glendale, Days Creek, Camas Valley, Douglas, Dillard Alternate Education, Riddle, Elkton, Yoncalla, Oakland, Roseburg, Baker Academy, and Glide participated in the event, designed to introduce them to a wide range of career opportunities.
The day began with an expert panel including Travis Pritchett with Convey, Aaron Fonsen with Addcox, Jim Baird with Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority (RUSA), Val Wilson with Roseburg Forest Products (RFP), Ashley Roy with Swanson Group Inc., and Carla Polk with AVIVA. Each panelist shared insights into career pathways in their industries and advice for students preparing to enter the workforce.
“The day has been really helpful, especially the panel. I learned what I can do to prepare for an interview and apply for a job,” said Kendall Elias, Umpqua Valley Christian School student.
Ilias Corbin, who attended the CTE Career Day as a student last year, returned this year representing FCC Furniture Company, where he now works as a media assistant. Corbin showcased a Virtual Reality 3D video he produced for FCC, demonstrating how the company manufactures furniture for major fast-food chains across the U.S. and Canada. Corbin will graduate from UCC this spring and transfer to Oregon State University to study business.
At North River Boats, there are exciting, local career opportunities in manufacturing for students studying engineering, welding, mechatronics, or computer science. “All of our boats start as just flat aluminum sheets of metal and are manufactured entirely in our facility in Green,” said John Alexander, Outfitting Shop Supervisor at North River Boats and a former Roseburg High School and Umpqua Community College student. North River Boats crafts vessels that are shipped all over the world, serving recreational fishermen, commercial operations, emergency response teams, and military branches, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy.
Interactive exhibits were a major highlight. The Roseburg Urban Sanitary Authority brought a diesel truck to demonstrate how sewer lines are cleaned with a high-powered hose. Students toured an industrial van equipped with a robotic camera used to diagnose sewer blockages.
Addcox Heating and Air gave students hands-on experience with plumbing and HVAC systems. Equipment was brought on site that enabled students to practice cutting threads on a gas pipe and braze copper lines. Aaron Fonsen explained that Addcox is developing an apprenticeship program to offer opportunities in the high-demand heating and cooling industry. This on-the-job training helps students learn to support residential and commercial markets, including local hotels and restaurants.
K-9 officer “Trapper” received lots of attention while Sheriff John Hanlin and Undersheriff Brad O’Dell from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office discussed law enforcement careers and responsibilities with students.
Throughout the day, students explored real-world careers they could pursue by learning new skills locally. They gained valuable connections and insights into how they can build strong futures with opportunities close to home.
