D202 To Host First Career Fair Focused On Technical Trades

BATAVIA, IL — Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 is hosting its first career fair focused on technical and skilled trades.

Open to both students and the community, the inaugural Tech and Trades Fair will take place from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 8 in the main gymnasium at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive.

More than 25 vendors representing trade schools, union halls and various employers are slated to participate. A local union president will also speak on navigating the application process and how to enter trade businesses.

"This event marks a significant step forward for our district, as we recognize the growing importance of these careers," Julie Bortoli, a work-based learning liaison at Plainfield Central, said in a statement.

Jobs in the skilled trades are growing rapidly, according to Bortoli.

"These careers offer a secure and specialized future, with top roles for electricians, HVAC technicians, welders and plumbers leading the way," she said.

Bortoli was one of four liaisons working at each high school — Nick Rayola from Plainfield South High School, Rebecca Voss from Plainfield North High School, and Rich Gatz at Plainfield East High School — who came up with the idea to host the fair, according to a news release from District 202. The staff members collaborated with the Workforce Center of Will County for the fair.