NO DIPLOMA? No PROBLEM.
Are you over 16 and under 18 years old? This is for you!
Try hands-on careers, meet employers, and get connected to paying opportunities at Careers in Gear.
Enter to win prizes just by signing up. Showing up enters you again, plus take home ideas, connections, swag, and more.
Explore over 100 Jobs
In one afternoon
Careers in Gear. Free Event. No Pressure.
Careers in Gear is a registration-only event—everyone must be on the list to attend.
Register now for a chance to win, whether you attend or not, and let’s get your future into focus.
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FIGURE OUT YOUR NEXT MOVE AT CAREERS IN GEAR A FREE event for youth over 16 and under 18 years old.
April 23rd, 2026| 12:30PM -2:00PM | At the Jackson County Expo
Try Out Jobs On-Site
Test hands-on activities like drone piloting, truck driving, and healthcare.
Meet Employers
Talk to real companies hiring in Southern Oregon and see what vibes.
Get Paid Training
Find programs that pay you to learn skills that you enjoy.
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NO PRESSURE. JUST SHOW UP. SEE WHAT VIBES.
ENTER TO WIN BIG
APPLE IPAD, AIRPODS & MORE
Opt in for a chance to win the Grand Prize. Attend the event to earn a second entry and spin the prize wheel for swag or cash. f you choose to enroll in a YouthWorks program, you’ll receive a third entry. 👉 The more you engage, the more chances you have to win.
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CAREERS IN GEAR EVENT COUNTDOWN
Watch clips from last year's event below
Southern Oregon YOUTH WORKS PROGRAMS
Career Training & Employment
ACCESS TRAINING RESOURCES AND START YOUR CAREER
Get the support you need to build a successful career. Southern Oregon Youth Works offers occupational skills training, career coaching, and access to a range of support services. Whether you’re exploring career paths, gaining new skills, or looking for your first job, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
YOUTH WORKEX
GET PAID TO GROW YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Gain hands-on experience and get paid while you learn! Youth WorkEX connects young people with real-world job opportunities, helping them build valuable skills in a supportive work environment. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we provide structured work experiences that prepare youth for future careers. Whether you’re exploring different industries or getting a head start on your career, Youth WorkEX is your opportunity to learn by doing.
Youth Innovation Fund
RECEIVE FUNDING FOR YOUR INNOVATIVE YOUTH PROGRAM
The Youth Innovation Fund, brought to you by Rogue Workforce Partnership and Southern Oregon Youth Works, supports community-driven projects that create paid training programs, paid work experiences, and supportive services for youth and young adults ages 16-24 in Southern Oregon. This initiative empowers businesses, education providers, and community organizations to design structured, skill-building experiences that prepare young people for the workforce.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Get Paid to Learn
Southern Oregon Youth Works programs offer:
Paid training | Paid work experience | Career coaching | Certifications