Check back here for details and updated schedules for 2027
We'll see you at the fair!
Join us for a discussion about increasing head of household jobs through local hire agreements and expanding construction trades apprenticeship programs in San Luis Obispo County. Hear from a panel of apprentices currently working and learning in local joint apprenticeship programs here on the Central Coast. Engage with local elected officials, community leaders, apprenticeship coordinators, instructors & apprentices to discuss head of household jobs through careers that are available in the construction trades here in San Luis Obispo County.
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Local Hire & Construction Trades Apprenticeship Forum at the California Mid-State Fair (2026)
Special Guests
County Supervisors
Bruce Gibson
Dawn Ortiz-Legg
Jimmy Paulding
Heather Moreno
John Peschong
and
Supervisor-Elect Jim Dantona
Your San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
Supervisor-Elect Jim Dantona speaks
The panelists, representing hands-on learning in a variety of skilled construction trades, await questions.
UA Local 403 Business Manager and Financial Secretary (and Mid-State Fair Board Member) David Baldwin speaks.
This year's Mid-State Fair Queen tries out the welding simulator.
The panelists, representing hands-on learning in a variety of skilled construction trades, await questions.
Friday July 17th, 2026, Headliner Stage
A big thank you to everyone that attended the Local Hire & Apprenticeship Forum at the Mid-State Fair. An especially big thank you to our featured speakers, all five current members of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor-Elect Jim Dantona. Attendees heard first hand from a panel of apprentices across multiple crafts who are participating in local "earn while you learn" apprenticeship programs on the Central Coast.
The apprentices shared their experiences and answered questions regarding their career paths, how they manage school and work, as well as the benefits of our local apprenticeship programs in the construction trades.
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Local Hire & Construction Trades Apprenticeship Forum at the California Mid-State Fair (2025)
Special Guests
State Treasurer Fiona Ma
State Senator John Laird
County Supervisors
Bruce Gibson
John Peschong
Dawn Ortiz-Legg
Jimmy Paulding
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State Treasurer Fiona Ma Speaks at the Fair
Apprentices from across the trades describe their experiences and answer audience questions.
Members of the Plumbers, Pipefitters and Refrigeration Fitters Local 403 share information at their booth.
Ironworkers 416 enjoying the BBQ.
Apprentices from across the trades describe their experiences and answer audience questions.
Friday July 18th, 2025, Headliner Stage
The Local Hire & Apprenticeship Forum at the Mid-State Fair was a tremendous success. Local elected officials, community leaders, apprenticeship coordinators, school administrators, counselors, teachers & apprentices came together to discuss head of household jobs through careers that are available in the construction trades here in San Luis Obispo County.
In addition to a panel of apprentices, the event was highlighted by Treasurer Fiona Ma, Senator John Laird, Supervisor Bruce Gibson, Supervisor John Peschong, Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg & Supervisor Jimmy Paudling!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Local Hire & Apprenticeship Forum and thank you to everyone who has stopped by our booths in the Stockyard Pavillion at the Mid-State Fair. We are at our booths everyday from when the fair opens to about 8pm - so please stop by with any questions or to learn more about a career in the construction trades in San Luis Obispo County.
The event featured a free Raffle for Mid-State Fair Concert Tickets and a catered 'Santa Maria Style BBQ' Lunch.
State Senator John Laird Meets with Apprentices
