FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College will host three career fairs this April at campuses in Fairmont, Clarksburg and Bridgeport. The events will connect students, job seekers and community members with employers across the region, and all are free and open to the public.
Nancy Parks, Pierpont’s Associate Vice President of Student Services, said the career fairs reflect the college’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce needs of North Central West Virginia. “These events strengthen the bridge between our academic programs and the employers who depend on skilled talent,” Parks said. “They highlight not only the career paths available to students but also the strong partnerships that help our graduates move directly into meaningful work or continue their education.”
The first fair will be held Wednesday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont. The career fair will focus on employers representing healthcare, energy, business, information systems and welding who are expected to attend. Pierpont’s in‑state transfer partners — West Virginia University, Glenville State University, Fairmont State University, Salem University and West Liberty University — will also be on-site to help students explore bachelor’s degree pathways tied to Pierpont programs.
A second fair will follow Thursday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gaston Caperton Center in Clarksburg. That event will focus on career opportunities in criminal justice, early childhood education, emergency medical services, physical therapy assisting and veterinary technology. Community members interested in exploring new career paths or connecting with local employers are encouraged to attend.
Pierpont will conclude the month with an industry‑focused Aviation Technology, Energy and Manufacturing Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at the RCB National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport. The event will feature employers representing aviation maintenance technology, applied process technology, petroleum technology, welding, manufacturing, oil and gas and power generation. Last year’s fair drew more than 20 companies and organizers anticipate similar participation this spring.
Brad Gilbert, director of aviation maintenance technology, said the April 23 event offers students a valuable look at careers in expanding technical fields. “Aviation Technology and advanced manufacturing continue to grow in North Central West Virginia,” Gilbert said. “This fair brings industry partners straight to our aviation center so students can see the scope of opportunities available to them. It also gives employers the chance to meet job‑ready graduates who have hands‑on experience with the equipment and systems used throughout the industry.”
Blake Lillard, program coordinator and assistant professor of applied process technology, said the fair also highlights opportunities tied to Pierpont’s technical programs beyond aviation technology. “Applied Process Technology plays a major role in industries like oil and gas, power generation and advanced manufacturing,” Lillard said. “Events like this show students how their skills translate directly into high‑demand careers and give them a chance to speak with employers who rely on the kind of training we provide.”
“These fairs give students a direct line to employers who are actively hiring and who understand the value of the training our programs provide,” said Hunter Davis, career counselor and navigator at Pierpont. “Even students who aren’t yet ready to apply for jobs benefit from meeting local companies and learning more about the opportunities connected to their fields.”
Businesses interested in participating in the career fairs at the Advanced Technology Center or Gaston Caperton Center may register by emailing Hunter Davis at hdavis3@pierpont.edu. Employers wishing to participate in the fair at the RCB National Aerospace Education Center should email Brad Gilbert at bgilbert@pierpont.edu. If vendor tables reach capacity, Career Services will provide space for company materials so attendees can still access hiring information.
Pierpont will share updates about employer participation, event reminders and additional details on its social media platforms leading up to each fair. More information is available at pierpont.edu.
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
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