ARLINGTON- Hundreds of Arlington high school and middle school students attended the Skilled Trades Fair at AHS April 9.

The fair featured over 40 companies and organizations – four times as many than two years ago – in industries including medical, culinary, manufacturing, construction, automotive, agriculture, firefighting, law enforcement, military and others. Many of the companies are local.

Snohomish County PUD was there promoting its apprenticeship program to students from Arlington and Weston high schools, as well as Haller and Post middle schools.

“At Snohomish County PUD, 41 percent of our electrical workers are aged 55 and older so there’s certainly a need to train new electrical workers,” said Julie Mainstone, the PUD’s apprentice program administrator.“Successful applicants to electrical craft apprenticeships can make great money while they’re learning their trade.”

AHS senior Ian Morris wanted to learn about the different careers, including how to become a PUD lineman.“It would be a good career opportunity,” he said.

Arlington career and technical education teachers said the purpose behind the non-traditional job fair is to make students aware that there are good-paying jobs, and demand is high among skilled trades.

AHS Engineering/Welding teacher Collin Nelson said more than 80 percent of the businesses in attendance wanted to hire students.

“These jobs included summer work, internships, apprenticeships and full-time work, which could land the students careers after high school,” he said. “More than 250 students have either been contacted by the organizations or are working on the job application process.”