WNC Career Expo Returns April 14-16

The WNC Career Expo, presented by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, will be held April 14-16.

Job seekers will be able to meet with hiring employers live online April 14-16 or in-person Thursday, April 15th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rabbit Rabbit (located at 75 Coxe Ave. in downtown Asheville.) The virtual career expo also features a daily schedule of webinars with resources and information for career seekers.

Employers in the sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, Finance, Skilled Trades, Tech/IT and more will be in attendance. 

Advertisement

About the In-person WNC Career Expo

The in-person component of the WNC Career Expo will be held outdoors at Rabbit Rabbit on Thursday, April 15th from 11 .m. to 6 p.m. Forty employers will be in attendance. No registration is required for job seekers to attend this free event. COVID-19 health protocols will be in place. Job seekers are required to wear face coverings and observe social distancing.

About the Virtual WNC Career Expo

Through the free regional virtual career expo, job seekers can:

  • learn about local employers,
  • determine their best job fit
  • meet with employers LIVE online via chat or email
  • attend live webinars.

Access this event from any device anywhere with Internet service. Live chat times vary by employer.

Job seekers must create a free account at www.wnctalent.com to access the Virtual WNC Career Expo. Prior to the event, job seekers can log in to access an interest finder, online learning courses, resume builder, career exploration videos, etc.

WNC Career Expo Webinar Schedule

All sessions are available online for free through wnctalent.com.

WEDNESDAY

  • Wednesday Keynote // April 14, 9:00am
    Personal Finance Coaching and Credit Restoration
    presented by Tiarra Wilkie, Owner and Founder, Groundbreaking Financial
    We understand the power and importance of having great credit. We provide tools needed to repair + build credit, while also implementing specific strategies that can be utilized immediately & throughout the process.
  • Wednesday Panel Discussion // April 14, 9:30am
  • Making a Great First Impression in an Interview
    Every day we have interactions with people we don’t know. When you are in the application and interview process of looking for a position, these first encounters are important to helping you get an offer of employment. In this discussion, you will learn what a first impression is, why a good first impression is important, how first impressions affect you in the workplace and how to make a good first impression during an interview.
  • Wednesday Panel Discussion // April 14, 12:15
    Landing Careers in Professional Services Industry in Asheville/WNC
    Hear from local professionals and entrepreneurs on industry trends and tips for how to find job openings and connect with employers in Finance, Marketing, Web Design, Accounting, etc.

THURSDAY

  • Thursday Panel Discussion // April 15, 9:00am
    Fulfilling Opportunities and Careers in Modern Manufacturing
    Manufacturing in the United States is changing rapidly. Today, organizations are leveraging disruptive technologies powered by data analytics, automation, and monitoring and communication at massive scale to drive performance improvement and cost savings.  These digital solutions are shaping the world of manufacturing today creating an ‘Industry 4.0’ revolution. The result? Manufacturing facilities are attractive, safe, and innovative. Join a panel discussion with local manufacturers on exciting careers and opportunities in WNC.
  • Thursday Panel Discussion // April 15, 9:30am
    Inclusive Hiring Partners: A Resource to Close the Opportunity Gap
    Inclusive Hiring Partners are working to close the opportunity gap by connecting community service providers and job seekers to equitable career opportunities. We believe that economic mobility for all is possible and that those facing generational poverty, re-entry after incarceration, substance abuse, mental health challenges, or other obstacles shouldn’t fall between the gaps and be prey to the system. Join this panel to hear from employers about what inclusive hiring means to them and how you can take the next step to connect to high wage jobs with advancement opportunities.
  • Thursday Keynote // April 15, 12:15pm
    How to Stand out and Pitch Yourself
    presented by Barrie Barton, Owner and Chief Speaking Coach, Stand and Deliver Asheville
    Barrie is a speaking coach with Stand and Deliver Asheville, adjunct faculty at UNCA teaching public speaking and artistic director of Story Choreography Projects. In each of these roles, Barrie’s main goal is to empower, guide and inspire her clients to reach their finest potential.

FRIDAY

  • Friday Keynote // April 16, 9:00am
    Resources for Experienced Workers
    presented by Alison Climo, PhD, Coordinator, Age-Friendly Buncombe County
    Age-friendly Buncombe was established in 2017 when the County joined the World Health Organization and AARP’s Network of Age-friendly Communities. This action was a major step toward the Aging Plan goal of increasing the age-friendly capability of Buncombe County. Age-friendly Buncombe is a big tent, bringing together community collaborations, committees, and working groups committed to the following Common Agenda: Older Adults in Buncombe County are Safe, Well, and Engaged in their Community.
  • Friday Panel Discussion // April 16, 9:30am
    Fulfilling Opportunities and Careers in Hospitality
    Jobs in hospitality and tourism in our local area have wages 12% higher than the North Carolina average. Many employers will help you get certificates or additional training to help advance your skills and your career along a well-defined career pathway. Join this panel discussion with local hospitality employers on what to expect in this field and how you can find meaningful work and advancement opportunities in WNC.
  • Friday Panel Discussion // April 16, 12:15pm
    Fulfilling Opportunities and Careers in Healthcare
    Healthcare employment is available at many different settings including hospitals, physician practices, public health, home health, long-term care and more. The demand for healthcare workers in our region is growing and a significant number of jobs are available in the healthcare industry. The average wage for healthcare jobs in our region exceeds the state average wage and offers many opportunities for career advancement. In the healthcare industry, you can move from one pathway to another as you advance from entry-level all the way to management. There are a diverse range of job opportunities available from entry-level to advanced physician positions in nursing, diagnostic & technical fields, and administrative support. Join this panel discussion with local healthcare employers on what to expect in this field and how you can find meaningful work and advancement opportunities in WNC.

For more information about the WNC Career Expo, visit www.WNCCareerExpo.com.

Prepared by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.