Modesto Junior College (MJC) will host the Second Annual Apprenticeship Exposition on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Modesto Junior College ACE Pavilion, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. This free event will provide 700 high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to experience interactive demonstrations, learn what an apprentice is, and connect students with employers from numerous industries currently offering apprenticeships.

The Apprenticeship Exposition is sponsored by MJC, Stanislaus Area Manufacturing and Maintenance Joint Apprenticeship Program, Stanislaus County Office of Education, and Valley Building and Construction Trades Council. Careers represented at the event include the following and more: brick layer, carpenter, heat and frost insulators, iron workers, plumbers and pipe fitters, roofers, cement mason, laborers, sheet metal workers. Also, drywall and lathers, electricians, operating engineers, plasterers, sound and communication, machinist.

Apprenticeship is a step-by-step approach to training and developing skilled labor. Research has shown that apprenticeships offer several benefits to employers. By investing in talent development through apprenticeship, employers gain a group of skilled workers and increase productivity. By 2020, the United States is expected to face a shortage of five million workers who are equipped with technical certificates and credentials. The Apprenticeship Exposition allows students to prepare and apply for an apprenticeship career while in high school.

For more information, contact either Kevin Fox at (209) 238-1516 or Casey White at (209) 238-1501.