
File photo: Pacific Power demonstrates equipment for attendees at the 2021 SOTCE.
September 18, 2023
CANYONVILLE – The Oregon Department of Transportation is joining efforts to promote living wage career opportunities at the biennial Southern Oregon Trade Careers Expo (SOTCE). This year’s event will be held Tuesday, September 26 at the Seven Feathers Convention Center (146 Chief Miwaleta Ln., Canyonville).
SOCTE introduces high school juniors and seniors to skilled trade careers in our communities. Students participate in hands-on activities with more than 130 companies and organizations from a variety of sectors. Additional attendees include military veterans and active-duty members and their families, second-chance populations and other adult job seekers. It is free to attend this event.
The event is held in two sessions:
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – High school students
- This session is open to 11th and 12th grade students. Invitations have gone out to schools in seven counties (Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane). Homeschoolers are welcome, too! Contact [email protected] to register.
1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Adult job seekers
- Anyone in the state of Oregon is encouraged to attend, including veterans, active-duty military, spouses, and private and public agency referrals. No registration is required. Bring your resume and be ready to speak directly to employers!
More information about the event and resources for job seekers can be found on the SOTEC website: www.empowerthepossible.org.
Questions?
For more information about the event, please contact Christie Meacham at 541-580-5507 or [email protected].
Media interview requests can be directed to Jerry Flores at 541-497-9080, or [email protected].
Top tier sponsors include: Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB), Recruit Hippo, The Roundhouse Foundation, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Umpqua Valley STEAM Hub, Freightliner Northwest. Thank you to all the sponsors who make this event possible.

File photo: A student sits in the driver’s seat of an ODOT snowplow at the 2021 SOTCE.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.