Oregon Military Department sponsors 2025 Labor Summit
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Military Department sponsored the 2025 Oregon Labor Summit Friday at the Oregon Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Salem, bringing together service members, educators, industry partners, and community leaders to strengthen connections between military training and civilian workforce opportunities.
Here's the department's news release on the event:
The Labor Summit served as a bridge between the Oregon National Guard and Oregon's business community, showcasing how military training translates directly into valuable workforce skills through hands-on demonstrations and static displays highlighting the diverse specialties available in the Guard.
Senior leaders and service members from both the Oregon Army and Air National Guard participated in presentations demonstrating the jobs, skills, and benefits the National Guard offers to employers in the local business community.
"This summit links education and workforce pipelines with Oregon National Guard talent, turning military training into apprenticeships and career pathways that bolster Oregon's economy and communities," said Col. Philip DeMontigny during his remarks to attendees.
The event featured extensive participation from career and technical education organizations, with Skills USA and the Oregon Career and Technical Education Student Leadership Foundation playing significant roles alongside the Oregon Department of Education.
Representatives from Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs), including Skills USA, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and the Technology Student Association (TSA), attended the summit.
Industry partners from health care, construction, aviation, logistics, information technology, and public service sectors explored how Guard members bring valuable leadership skills, technical training, and strong work ethics to civilian workplaces.
Gov. Tina Kotek addressed attendees, emphasizing the partnership between the state and private sector in supporting Guard members.
"Beyond supporting careers and filling critical workforce gaps, we are proving that serving your country and building your future are not separate paths. They are part of the same mission, and I fully support that," Kotek said.
Jeff Rhoades from the Oregon Department of Education's Office of Education, Innovation & Improvement also spoke, thanking educators and CTSO advisors for their dedication to empowering students and preparing them for future-ready careers.
The Oregon Military Department's sponsorship of the Labor Summit underscores its commitment to community partnerships and workforce development, aligning with the organization's strategic vision to be "the partner of choice within our communities, state, nation, and internationally," said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon.
