For the sixth year in a row, local job seekers were given an opportunity to network with area employers at the community Job Fest event, held May 17 at the Best Western courtyard.
“Hosting this annual event is important for our community, because it benefits businesses and individuals alike,” said 2012 Job Fest committee chair Delbert Randolph. “The employers save time and money by staying local to fill their jobs, and the job seekers get an opportunity to shop for a new career.”
Over two dozen booths were set up at the event, with the majority looking to fill full- or part-time positions. Other booths provided information on training or educational opportunities.
“Times are certainly different than they were six years ago when we started this event,” Randolph said. “We’ve adapted over the years to cater to the needs of the businesses and the needs of the job seekers. Some people may be considering furthering their education today that weren’t in the market for training opportunities when unemployment rates were lower in 2006.”
From a survey filled out by job seekers at the event, the planning committee learned lots of valuable information. Over 100 people at the event reported that they were currently unemployed. Dozens of people were connected with training resources, help sprucing up their resumes, and follow-up job search assistance after the event. Of the 24 employers with available positions, it was reported that over a dozen job offers would be made to applicants who attended Job Fest.
“This is why our committee works so diligently to organize this community event,” Randolph said. “If even a couple people found jobs because of the event, it’d be worth it. To know that so many were impacted by the networking opportunities we provided to them, it energizes us to do it all over again next year.”
CPI Qualified Plan Consultants sponsored a door prize drawing for an iPad 2, and Great Bend resident Justin Schartz was randomly selected as the winner.
Anyone looking for work who was unable to attend the JobFest event is encouraged to seek out local resources such as the KansasWorks office, 620-793-5445. Job listings can also be found at www.centralkansasjobs.com or at www.gbtribune.com.