Over 1,000 students participate at annual career fair

Published: Monday, May 4, 2026 at 10:05 am

Career Fair Connects Students with Local Opportunities

Honolulu, HI – Over 1,100 students recently participated in the second annual Exposure Fair and Hiring Blitz, a career-focused event designed to connect students with local employers and opportunities. The event, hosted by workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI in partnership with Chaminade University and Saint Louis School, brought together students from middle school, high school, and college, representing nine local educational institutions.

The primary goal of the fair was to strengthen Hawaii's local talent pipeline by introducing students to various career paths, including internships, apprenticeships, job training programs, and immediate employment opportunities. More than 70 local businesses and organizations were present, offering students the chance to explore different career options and connect with potential employers.

The event provided a platform for students to learn about pathways to economic self-sufficiency and achieve their career aspirations. The format included speed-dating style interactions and informal Q&A sessions, allowing students to engage directly with representatives from various organizations. The Hiring Blitz component focused on expediting the hiring process for high school juniors and seniors, connecting them with available opportunities.

ClimbHI aims to keep local students employed and in Hawaii, providing them with the resources and connections necessary to succeed. The organization also encourages teachers, businesses, associations, and nonprofit organizations to utilize the free ClimbHI Bridge online portal for workforce development, classroom engagement, and communication.

BNN's Perspective:

The Exposure Fair and Hiring Blitz is a commendable initiative that addresses the critical need to connect students with local career opportunities. By fostering direct connections between students and employers, the event helps to build a strong local workforce and encourages young people to pursue their career goals within the state. The focus on apprenticeships and job training programs is particularly valuable, offering students practical pathways to economic independence.

Keywords: career fair, hiring blitz, students, employers, internships, apprenticeships, job training, employment opportunities, workforce development, ClimbHI, Chaminade University, Saint Louis School, Hawaii, local talent pipeline, career pathways, economic self-sufficiency

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