Recently, Mount Olive High School opened its doors to a few hundred high school juniors and seniors from across New Jersey for the Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Fair. The energy was light but full of purpose — students mingling, asking questions, and exploring possibilities for their future. Some weren’t quite sure where they wanted to go after graduation, while others had a clear plan and were eager to take their next step. Either way, everyone came ready to learn.
The event, coordinated by the Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey, brought together students, educators, and local businesses that value hands-on skill and craftsmanship. Behind the scenes, Kimberly Colgan, Beth Rodgers, and their team worked hard to create an experience that was both informative and approachable — and it showed in every detail.
Bill DeBoer, who serves on the Workforce Development Board, bringing his passion for the trades to the table. Bill knows firsthand how fulfilling a career in this field can be and how important it is to introduce young people to these opportunities early on.
Inside the gym, rows of tables and displays were set up for vendors to meet students face-to-face. There was a comfortable buzz — the kind that happens when people are genuinely curious. Representatives from Warshauer Electric, Mane Street Barbershop, Bihler of America, Carpenter’s Union, Tilcon NY, Zufall Health Center, Givaudan, Weiss-Aug, Farmside Landscaping, DeBoer’s Auto, and many others spent the day chatting with students, answering questions, and sharing stories from their own paths.
Meanwhile, over in the auditorium, speakers offered short, focused talks about their industries — giving students the chance to listen in and discover which careers might fit their interests or strengths. The setup was simple but effective, and by the end of the day, there was a clear sense of excitement and possibility in the air.
It’s easy to see why the event was such a success. For some of these students, it may have been the first time they truly saw themselves in a trade career — something hands-on, rewarding, and grounded in real-world skill. And for the businesses, it was an opportunity to invest in the future of the workforce in a very real way.
Want to Dive Deeper?
If you’d like to learn more about the Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey and their programs that support students and job seekers, here are a few helpful links:
Workforce Development Board of Northwest New Jersey (Home)
WDB NNJ Resources – training programs, youth services, and career tools
WDB NNJ Job Seekers – support for those entering or advancing in the workforce
NJ State Apprenticeship Programs – learn how to “earn while you learn” in a wide range of industries
At DeBoer’s Auto, we believe in helping people move forward — whether that’s keeping your car reliable or supporting the next generation of skilled professionals who keep our world running. The Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship Fair was a reminder that opportunity doesn’t always come with a college brochure — sometimes, it comes with a wrench, a blueprint, or a dream.
Because when you find your path and your passion, you can truly Live Life Uninterrupted.
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