Job fair draws 5,100 potential hires
About 5,100 make rounds to meet with 107 employers
The heat didn’t keep the crowd away from a popular annual South Valley job fair Wednesday.
The parking lot of Harrison Middle School was overflowing by the event’s 10 a.m. start time. Organizers said the fair attracted 1,500 participants within the first 30 minutes, with total attendance at around 5,100.
Among the 107 employers present, representing more than 4,300 open positions: Wells Fargo, Albuquerque Public Schools, PNM Resources, Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, Jason’s Deli, Goodwill Industries of New Mexico and Pacific Dental Services.
Troy Taylor said he came to the fair because he is looking to transition from part- to full-time work.
“I’m open to options,” said Taylor. “But it needs to be consistent. I have young children to support.”
Taylor said he is considering jobs in the youth services and food and beverage industries, and that he spoke with several employers at the fair that seemed like they might be a good fit.
Zahraa Hashim is a refugee from Iraq who came to the U.S. about a decade ago.
“(The fair) is a good idea,” said Hashim. “I like everyone I’ve talked to. I hope something will work out.”
Several employers reported interest from a steady stream of participants. Camille Carpenter of The Community Lighthouse, a company that specializes in play therapy for children, said she was pleased with the turnout.
Carpenter said the Community Lighthouse is hiring up to three administrative staff members, and behavior management specialists on an ongoing basis.
The job fair was organized by state Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque. He said he may need to change the venue next year to accommodate an even larger crowd.