WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Representatives from Missouri State University-West Plains, Missouri State University’s academic outreach office in West Plains, Missouri State University in Springfield, South Central Career Center (SCCC), the Missouri Career Center and several area employers will team up to offer a career and job fair from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, in the West Plains Civic Center exhibit hall.

The 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 they simply want information about training for careers, the career and job fair will provide an opportunity for them to be better informed,” said Pam Tate, coordinator of Missouri State-West Plains’ career services and campus outreach office.

Rather than simply providing a brochure about a program, the university plans to give participants a chance to experience some of the activities associated with a specific career choice, Tate said.  Under the direction of Assistant Professor of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Cathy Proffitt-Boys, demonstrations related to the careers associated with the university’s Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Science degrees will be given so participants can see some of the specific duties and skills required for those careers, Tate explained.

In addition, members of the university’s faculty will present information regarding the Associate of Arts in General Studies degree, representatives from SCCC’s certificate programs will answer questions about programs offered there, and representatives from Missouri State University’s academic outreach office will provide information about bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered locally by the Springfield campus, Tate said.  Additionally, an admissions representative from Missouri State University in Springfield will help students planning to transfer to the Springfield campus start the process.

Since the event is open to the public, area residents looking for jobs can visit with some of the region’s employers about the possibility of openings in the near future, Tate added.

Employers who have registered for the event include Caterpillar HPH Facility, Inc.: Manpower; the Missouri National Guard; Penmac Personnel Services; Coastal Energy Corporation; Pepsi MidAmerica; Willow Health Care; Ozarks Medical Center; West Vue, Inc.; Missouri State Highway Patrol Troops D and G; Missouri Department of Transportation; Jaggard Technology; Ozark Radio Network; St. Francis Hospital; Missouri Department of Conservation; Emovie Posters; Mary Kay Cosmetics; Employment Solution Group; Parkway Beauty Academy; McDonald’s; Avon; Walmart Supercenter; and recruiters with the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines.

Volunteer agencies that have registered include the American Red Cross, Experience Works and Hospice Compassus.  Booth space is still available for other employers and agencies who want to attend, Tate said.

In addition to Missouri State-West Plains students, Tate said she is expecting several groups of area high school students to attend, and she encouraged other area residents to stop by.  “Because of the variety of information available, high school-aged students through adults can benefit from this program,” she said.

For more information about the career and job fair, or to reserve booth space, contact Tate at 417-255-7230.