The Dakota/Scott Teen Job Fair is right around the corner on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Western Service Center/Galaxie Library at 4955 Galaxie Avenue in Apple Valley. Youth, families and employers across the region are getting ready! This annual event provides a friendly, low-pressure way for teens to explore job opportunities, meet employers, and learn about future career pathways. Here’s a look at what makes this event so impactful each year.

Why Dakota/Scott Hosts an Annual Teen Job Fair

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Each year, Dakota and Scott Counties bring together teens, employers, educators, and community partners for the annual Teen Job Fair—a welcoming, low-barrier event created to help youth take confident steps into the workforce. Many young people want to work but aren’t sure where to start. Some have never approached an employer before, others are unfamiliar with job options in their community, and many face practical barriers such as transportation or limited knowledge of career paths.

The Teen Job Fair was designed to remove barriers. It is free to attend, requires no registration, and welcomes teens of all abilities. By gathering dozens of employers, training providers, and support services in one space, the fair provides structured, hands-on access to opportunities that can otherwise feel out of reach. Teens can explore jobs, ask questions, complete applications, and learn what employers are looking for—all in a supportive, youth-focused environment.

What Teens Say About the Teen Job Fair

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Across years of events, teens consistently report that the fair helps them feel more confident. They appreciate the chance to speak directly with hiring managers, explore different kinds of work, and get a clearer understanding of next steps—whether applying for a first job or preparing for future career pathways.

Families also note that the fair offers a comfortable and encouraging space for teens who may be anxious about job searching or unsure where to begin. Many parents share that the event helps their teens engage more comfortably with employers and leave with concrete plans.

What Employers Say About the Teen Job Fair

Employers consistently identify the fair as a valuable, high-impact recruitment event. Many report meeting strong candidates and making hires. In 2025, for example, one employer received 55 applications and hired six teens directly from the fair—an outcome that illustrates both the strong applicant pool and the event’s effectiveness.

Employers also appreciate the thoughtful preparation and structure: clear communication, well-organized logistics, and the opportunity to connect with local youth who are actively seeking work. Many return year after year because the event helps them meet persistent hiring needs and strengthen their future workforce pipeline.

What Types of Work Teens Are Looking For

The fair attracts a wide range of teens—from those seeking their very first job to others exploring longer-term career paths. Many are looking for:

• Summer employment
• Part-time work during the school year
• Flexible entry-level roles
• Opportunities aligned with future career interests
• Hands-on exposure to technical, trade, and pathway-based careers

The event intentionally supports this spectrum of interests. Teens can meet employers hiring immediately, learn about postsecondary options from Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College, and explore technical careers through interactive tools like the Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab. These experiences help teens connect today’s job opportunities with tomorrow’s career possibilities.

Additional Important Highlights

• Attendance is growing rapidly. Participation increased from around 200 teens in 2023 to more than 700 in 2025, demonstrating strong and rising demand for youth-centered employment support.
• Accessibility is a core value. The event is free, requires no registration, and welcomes youth ages 14 and up, including teens of varying abilities.
• Partnership is the backbone of the event. CareerForce, Dakota County Library, Dakota County Social Services, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), local colleges, community organizations, and employers collaborate months in advance to ensure a supportive and seamless experience.
• It’s a model that continues to evolve. From virtual fairs during the pandemic to expanded hands-on learning and transportation support in 2026, the program adapts to youth needs and community feedback.
• It strengthens the region’s workforce pipeline. Connecting teens with employers early builds confidence, skills, and long-term pathways that benefit both youth and the broader community.

This year’s Teen Job Fair continues to evolve with more hands-on exploration, stronger partnerships, and increased accessibility. The Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab adds immersive, hands-on exploration of skilled trades through VR simulators for welding, carpentry, painting, and heavy equipment operation. Operated by skilled-trade professionals, the lab brings technical careers to life in an engaging mobile environment. MVTA provides transportation guidance to help young job seekers identify safe, reliable transit options, and local colleges demonstrate training pathways that help teens connect part-time work with long-term education and career opportunities. Together, these resources expand access, awareness, and confidence as teens take their first steps into the workforce.

• View additional details about the Dakota/Scott Teen Job Fair
• Contact staff at a CareerForce location near you to learn more about youth employment opportunities