BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Berkeley County is joining forces with Charleston and Dorchester counties to help hundreds of graduating high school seniors and Lowcountry adults step directly into the region’s most in‑demand career fields. The annual Your Next Step Career Fair, hosted by SC Works Trident, returns Friday, April 23, offering students and the public a direct pipeline to employers across the Tri‑County area.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston. Organizers have split the day into two sessions to better target job seekers:
- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. — Open exclusively to graduating high school seniors from Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Pre-registration is required and can be completed here.
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Open to the public with no pre‑registration required.
Students and job seekers will be able to meet one‑on‑one with employers representing eight high‑demand industries, including diversified manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology, military, business, transportation and logistics, and construction.
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Major employers already registered include the Medical University of South Carolina, Berkeley County Government, Charleston County Government, Dorchester County Government, Santee Cooper, Dominion Energy, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Schnellecke Logistics, Newport News Shipbuilding, Hendrick Automotive, and others. 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.”
Berkeley County leaders say the fair plays a critical role in matching local talent with the county’s rapidly expanding workforce needs.
“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,” said Corey McClary, Workforce Development Manager for Berkeley County Government. “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.”
Dorchester and Charleston county officials echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of a unified regional approach to workforce development and long‑term economic growth.
The event is supported by Berkeley County Economic Development, Charleston County Economic Development, Dorchester County Economic Development, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce Regional Workforce Advisors.
What attendees should bring
Organizers recommend that job seekers:
- Bring multiple copies of an updated résumé
- Be prepared for on‑site interviews
- Email updated résumés to employers if needed
- Dress professionally
The Your Next Step Career Fair remains one of the region’s largest workforce‑focused events, offering a direct path from the classroom—or the job search—into stable, high‑demand careers across the Lowcountry.
