TDS presents Worlds of Work Career Expo 2023 with $10,000 to fund key supplies
Program provides students with hands-on intro to businesses in Great Falls, Montana
GREAT FALLS, Montana – To address community workforce needs, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) has awarded $10,000 to the Central Montana Works Worlds of Work™ (WOW) Career Expo 2023.
WOW is an immersive and interactive expo providing local middle and high school students with hands-on introductions to career pathways within the Great Falls area.
“Many thanks to TDS for helping us reach the next generation,” said Alyssa Larkey, Workforce Development Program Coordinator at Central Montana Works! “Through programs like WOW, students can speak one-on-one with business professionals working in the field and see first-hand how they do their jobs. By interacting with businesses, students learn how to connect with business and broaden their ability to understand how each job plays a specific role in our economy. At WOW, students have so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning!”
Hosted at Great Falls College MSU and the University of Providence, the WOW Career Expo will be held Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for Central Montana students in Grades 8th and 10th. In addition to the career expo for students, WOW will host an open house that day for members of the public to see what career opportunities are now available. The open house will be from 3 to 5 p.m.
TDS Associate Manager of Field Marketing Raymond Porter nominated the WOW Career Expo for the grant saying he was impressed with how WOW gives students “hands-on experience” of trades, arts, and professions in Montana.
“Rather than telling, WOW shows,” said Porter. “Instead of a counselor or textbook explaining job opportunities to young people, WOW provides a direct demonstration with the employers who work in the industry. This innovative program located in Great Falls aligns perfectly with the spirit of TDS. From Field Services to Sales to Information Technology, our associates can teach students about our fiberoptic technology, and our retail and marketing fields. From there, we encourage students to apply for internships and positions within TDS.”
To help address local and community workforce needs, WOW Great Falls offers 16 Career and Technical Education tracks for students to explore, from vocational opportunities and beyond.
TDS is currently hiring throughout Montana. Positions are now posted on the company’s website at tdstelecom.com/careers. TDS has hired 80 associates in Montana since announcing two years ago it was building a fiber network in Big Sky Country.
TDS is currently building its fiber network in Helena, Helena Valley, Butte, Missoula, and Billings, with plans to begin construction in Great Falls soon. TDS will deliver up to 8Gig symmetrical internet speeds for businesses and residents, along with a variety of phone and digital TV options. Area residents can visit TDSFiber.com to register for service, monitor the progress of the build, and sign up for notifications about the new service.
