More than 400 Silver Valley high school students converged on Kellogg High School last week for the annual Silver Valley Career Fair, exploring dozens of career paths and post-graduation opportunities in what organizers called one of the event’s most successful outings in recent memory.
The fair brought approximately 50 businesses and employers to the KHS gymnasium, where companies set up booths, hosted classroom breakout sessions, and engaged directly with students about future careers. What stood out most this year was the overwhelming enthusiasm students showed for blue-collar and skilled trades industries — a trend that mirrors broader national workforce data.
Mining, Welding, and Skilled Trades Steal the Show
Booths representing the Silver Valley’s deep industrial roots drew some of the largest crowds throughout the morning. Representatives from Americas Gold & Silver, Hecla Mining, Bunker Hill Mining, Mike’s Specialty Welding, and ACI all reported consistent and enthusiastic student traffic. The interest was no surprise to Tina Karst, the event’s organizer and special education director for the Kellogg School District, who pointed to national labor data showing workers aged 18 to 25 accounted for nearly 25% of all new hires in skilled trades in 2024.
One of the most talked-about breakout sessions was titled Women in Mining, which drew steady crowds and offered students a closer look at career opportunities for women in an industry that, while growing, remains male-dominated. Women currently make up just 14% of the American mining workforce — a figure that, while low, still outpaces fields like general construction, where women represent only 11% of workers.
Kellogg High School freshman Leah Murinko attended the Women in Mining presentation and said it broadened her perspective on the industry. “They talked about the different perspectives between working in the office and working underground,” Murinko said.
The session’s message resonated in a community where mining has long been a cornerstone of economic life. With Hecla Mining’s Lucky Friday Mine continuing operations in Mullan and ongoing activity at Bunker Hill, the Silver Valley’s mining sector remains an active employer — and an increasingly viable career path for the next generation of local workers.
Community Employers, Law Enforcement Also Engage Students
While trades dominated the conversation, a broad range of industries participated in the fair. Mountain Valley of Cascadia, a regional care provider, has built a track record of recruiting potential nursing staff through the event. CEO Emilee Kulin expressed enthusiasm about the fair’s return after a weather-related postponement. “This is a great event,” Kulin said. “It’s been so valuable to us over the years.”
Kootenai Health and the Brooks Hotel also reported steady visitor traffic at their booths, reflecting the diversity of employment opportunities available in the Silver Valley and the broader North Idaho region.
Several branches of the U.S. military added an interactive element to the fair, challenging students to physical feats — including pull-ups and push-ups — in exchange for branded gear. Kellogg sophomore Cyrus Reed was among those stepping up to the Air National Guard challenge, attempting 50 push-ups for a free t-shirt.
The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office also hosted a booth, giving students the chance to speak directly with deputies and handle various pieces of law enforcement equipment — an opportunity that generated significant interest among attendees considering careers in public safety.
The fair almost didn’t happen on its current timeline. A windstorm knocked out power across the region the evening before the originally scheduled date, forcing Karst to quickly contact dozens of participating businesses and coordinate a new date. The extra effort paid off. “The kids had a great time; the businesses are having a great time,” Karst said. “Everyone I’ve talked to has said nothing but positive.”
What Comes Next
The Silver Valley Career Fair is an annual event hosted by the Kellogg School District. Organizers are expected to begin planning for next year’s event in the coming months. Students and families interested in skilled trades, mining, healthcare, and military service careers can reach out to the Kellogg School District for resources on post-graduation pathways. For statewide education and workforce news, visit IdahoNews.co, and for broader North Idaho context, see KootenaiCountyNews.com.