TIPTON, Iowa (Feb. 23, 2026)–Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection (WLC), a work-based learning program for middle school and high school students, has collaborated with regional business partners to host the Cedar County High School Career Fair on Wednesday, March 4, in the Mathews Building at the Cedar County Fairgrounds in Tipton.
The event will serve more than 310 students in grades 10-12 from Tipton, West Branch, and North Cedar high schools, giving them the chance to explore futures in healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, business, the trades, public safety, cosmetology, and many other in-demand career fields. Representatives from 25 area businesses are scheduled to participate in the career fair, with the intention of making connections with talented teenagers from their local communities. The fair also gives these businesses the chance to hand out applications for part-time or post-graduation opportunities.
Each year, the number of businesses interested in being involved in the fair continues to grow.
“Career fairs are helpful for students coming in not knowing what they are looking for in terms of a career,” said Jon Walsh with the Tipton Electric Department. “There are trade school opportunities out there, that are valuable career paths, that a lot of students are not aware of. Career fairs help us showcase those opportunities. Skilled trades are worth looking into. You can work and get paid to go to school.”
The career fair is the largest Cedar County event out of several events organized by WLC. The goal is to help students with post-secondary planning and career exploration by showing them all the opportunities that are available right in their own backyards. Engaging area students early plays a pivotal role in economic vitality, especially in more rural communities like Cedar County.
The event is valuable for students as well. Last year, Tipton student Alivia Tucker said this about her experience: “I learned a lot and enjoyed how all the businesses were passionate about sharing what they do. A career fair like this shows us career options we might not have known about and helps us see what type of jobs are out there.”
“The Cedar County Career Fair is such an exciting event,” said WLC Director Kristine Bullock. “The fair gives students the opportunity to not only learn about different types of careers but also to open their eyes to all the amazing opportunities that are available right in Cedar County and the surrounding area. Businesses are excited to be involved because workforce shortages and pipeline development are top of mind for all industries right now. Getting in front of the next generation of workers is pivotal for continued success for these businesses.”
Business participants for the 2026 Cedar County Career Fair will include: Brown’s West Branch, Capri College, Captured and Curated Photography Company, Carpenters Training Institute, Cedar County Cooperative, Cummins Manufacturing, Inc., Eastern Iowa REC, Eldon C. Stutsman Inc., Iowa Army National Guard, Kirkwood Dept. of Nursing, Kirkwood Pet Grooming, Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa, Laborers Local #43, Local 25 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC, River Valley Cooperative, Simpson Memorial Home, The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Tipton Development, Tipton Municipal Utilities, Tipton Police Department, TSF Structures, UnityPoint Jones Regional Medical Center, United States Marines, West Branch Animal Clinic, West Branch Police Department, and Wilton Retirement Community
*****EVENT*****
What: Cedar County High School Career Fair
When: Wednesday, March 4 (Snow/make-up date of Thursday, March 5, if needed)
Where: Cedar County Fairgrounds Mathews Building, Tipton
Time: 8:45 – 11:30 a.m.