Congressman Jimmy Panetta, California State Senator John Laird, and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma will speak at this year’s Building Trades Informational Meeting, taking place Friday, July 18 at 11:00 AM on the Headliner Stage at the California Mid-State Fair.
This annual event—now in its sixth year—has outgrown its previous location in the Skybox and is moving to the Headliner Stage near the Stockyard Pavilion to accommodate growing interest from students, educators, and the general public. The meeting is a cornerstone of the Fair’s ongoing partnership with the skilled trades community, aiming to connect young people and job seekers with high-wage, high-demand careers.
What to Expect:
Attendees will hear directly from elected leaders and union professionals about the critical need for skilled tradespeople in SLO County and beyond, and how to get started in the field. In addition to Panetta, Laird and Ma, other speakers and representatives will include Local 403 Plumbers, Pipefitters, Pipe Welders and HVACR; Local 416 Iron Workers, IBEW Local 639 (Electricians), Cuesta College and SLO Cal Careers.
This event is held in conjunction with the CA Mid-State Fair’s Daily Career Fair in The Stockyard, which features interactive career booths, employer meet-and-greets, and resources for all ages.
Trades Meeting Event Details:
Headliner Stage, CA Mid-State Fair/Paso Robles Event Center
Friday, July 18, 2025
11:00 AM – Special Presentation
Career Fair Hours (Stockyard Pavilion):
Who Should Attend:
Elected officials, FFA & 4-H members, high school juniors and seniors, young adults (ages 17–24), job seekers exploring new opportunities, and parents, counselors, or educators looking to support career planning.
Why Attend:
Gain insight into union apprenticeships and skilled trades, hear directly from elected officials and industry leaders, explore high-wage career pathways, and connect with the people and programs that can help you take the next step.
Don’t miss this chance to explore hands-on careers that build California’s future—while meeting the leaders helping shape it.
