WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Representatives from Missouri State University-West Plains, Missouri State University’s Outreach office in West Plains, Missouri State University-Springfield, the South Central Career Center (SCCC), the Missouri Career Center and several area employers are teaming up to offer a career and job fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at Missouri State-West Plains’ Student Recreation Center, 323 W. Trish Knight St.

The free event will feature exhibits about the university’s degree and certificate programs, SCCC’s certificate programs, job opportunities at area businesses and social agencies needing volunteers, organizers said.

“Whether area residents are looking for jobs or simply wanting information about training for careers, the career/job fair will provide an opportunity for them to be better informed,” explained Alice Smith, coordinator of Missouri State-West Plains’ career services and campus outreach office.

In addition, members of Missouri State-West Plains’ faculty will present information regarding associate degrees, representatives from SCCC’s certificate programs will answer questions about programs offered there, and representatives from Missouri State’s Outreach office will provide information about the bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered locally by the Springfield campus.  Additionally, an admissions representative from the Springfield campus will be available to assist students planning to transfer to that campus.

The event is open to the public, and area residents are invited to visit with some of the region’s participating employers about the possibility of current and future job openings.  Smith said that, in addition to students from Missouri State-West Plains, she expects several groups of area high school students to attend, and she encourages all other area residents to stop by.

“Because of the variety of information available, the general public, high school students and college students can benefit from this program,” she stressed.

For more information about the career/job fair or to reserve booth space, call Smith at 417-255-7230.