According to research, 30% of students worldwide only go to a four-year college because they think it’s the natural progression after high school and 23% attend college because they think this is the expectation for all high school graduates. The Fairfax County Public Library wanted to highlight some of the different career options for those who aren’t going to, or didn’t go to, college.

The job fair demonstrates the library's commitment to connecting people with resources that break down barriers. Participants met with a variety of perspective employers and trade schools (police, construction, college security, facilities management, a technology institute, a beauty school, a school of therapeutic massage, and others) and learned about trade-related resources available at the Fairfax County Public Library. Employers were ready to hire and provided assistance to help people secure interviews.

Approximately 130 people attended FCPL’s Trade School Career Fair. Response from the participating employers and trade schools was positive. One employer stated, “It was a great event. It flowed well and we had a good pool of candidates.” A trade school employee commented, “I spoke to many people, and 12 are definite candidates for my school. It was a fantastic event.” Everyone indicated they would participate again next year and some provided contacts for other vendors and trade schools who would want to participate.