SC Works Trident partnering with Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties to host the annual Your Next Step Career Fair on April 23

Event connects graduating high school seniors and the public to in-demand career paths

SC Works Trident, along with Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, will host the annual Your Next Step Career Fair on Friday, April 23, connecting graduating high school seniors and the public with in-demand career paths.

The event will be held from 9 am to 3 pm at the Charleston Area Convention Center, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, and is divided into two periods for specific job seekers:

• From 9 am to 12 pm – The event is only open to graduating high school seniors. Pre-registration is required and can be completed here.
• From 1 pm to 3 pm – The event is open to the public. The public is not required to pre-register. Attendees can register in person at the event.

Graduating high school seniors from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties will have the opportunity to network one-on-one with leading regional employers and explore in-demand career paths in the Tri-County region. Employers will be segmented by industry to allow attendees to focus on the area of most interest.

Employers from eight high-demand industries will be present: diversified manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology, military, business, transportation and logistics, and construction.

Companies registered for the event include Medical University of South Carolina, Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Government, Santee Cooper, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Dominion Energy, Schnellecke Logistics, Newport News Shipbuilding, Hendrick Automotive, and more. A full list of employers can be found at SC Works Trident – Your Next Step Career Fair | Job & Training Expo .

“This collaborative event aligns with our commitment to ensuring our region remains a place for everyone to thrive and grow,” said BCDCOG Executive Director Ron Mitchum. “We look forward to connecting high school seniors and job seekers to an array of career path opportunities, strengthening our region, and showcasing the talent our area has to offer.”

This annual career fair is supported through a partnership with Berkeley County Economic Development, Charleston County Economic Development, Dorchester County Economic Development, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce Regional Workforce Advisors.

“We’re proud to once again partner on a regional career fair that opens doors for job seekers while creating meaningful connections between graduating seniors and trusted employers. Supporting the businesses that call Berkeley County home—and aligning their needs with our local workforce—remains a top priority as we work together to build a strong, successful future for our community and region.” -Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager, Berkeley County Government

“We’re excited to continue building momentum with the ‘Your Next Step’ Career Fair, connecting students and job seekers with real opportunities right here in our region,” said Gordon Rooney, Dorchester County Existing Industry & Workforce Manager. “By bringing together employers from across Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, this event not only highlights the diverse career paths available but also strengthens the talent pipeline that supports our existing industries and future growth.”

“Building on the continued success of this regional job fair, we’re proud to partner with Berkeley and Dorchester counties once again to connect talent with opportunity,” said Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson. “Through this collaborative effort, we’re strengthening our workforce pipeline, supporting our existing industries, and creating clear pathways to meaningful, long-term careers for our residents.”

“We’re proud to partner with SC Works Trident to further support and grow our region’s workforce,” said Celeste Granger, Senior Vice President of Workforce & Leadership for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. “By strengthening our talent pipeline, we’re helping businesses across the region thrive. Our focus is on creating meaningful opportunities, supporting long-term career success, and ensuring every resident can contribute to and benefit from our region’s continued growth.”

To maximize the benefits of the event, attendees should observe the following guidelines:

• Bring multiple copies of an updated resume.
• Be prepared for an on-site interview.
• Email updated resume to employers, if needed.
• Dress professionally.

SC Works Trident comprises one-stop centers in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. SC Works Trident offers a variety of services to help employers and job seekers meet their workforce development needs. For the latest on SC Works, visit scworkstrident.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on LinkedIn, and follow us on X.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary Aides and Services are Available upon request. For program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit scworkstrident.org/.