Veterans Career Fair

Veterans Career Fair aims to connect employers, service members for job opportunities

Employers of all kinds looking to hire at the third annual Veterans Career Fair.

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> Employers of all kinds are looking to hire at the third annual Veterans Career Fair on Friday, March 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oneida American Legion Post 169, located on 398 N. Main St. in Oneida.

It all began three years ago in 2016, Squadron Commander Tim Fidler said, with a single question. During a visit by the heads of the American Legion, Fidler said they got a chance to tour a local business.

“That particular year, we toured Briggs & Stratton’s Ferris operation while they were in Munnsville at the time,” Fidler said. “Past Detachment Commander Bruce Ruthven asked how many people employed were veterans. The answer they were given was ‘not enough.’ Employers prefer to hire veterans because of their work ethic and their training.”

From there, the idea took root and the Veteran Career Fair was formed with the goal to help veterans in need of work. Filder said he’s been happy with the results as they grow each year.

Fidler said at the 2018 fair, the Oneida American Legion reached out and found that of the 32 veterans who walked in, eight already had jobs within two weeks.

“We hada pretty good response the first year,” Fidler said. “It doubled in size last year. And we’ll be bigger again this year. I’m proud of it.”

Fidler said he feels every American owes their respects to the people who serve the country, with the same for law enforcement, fire departments and first responders. Giving them that leg

up and help, Fidler said, is what they do at the American Legion.

And while the focus at the career fair is veterans, it’s open to their family members as well, Fidler said.

“We don’t want to be excluding anyone,” Fidler said. “A lot of people need work.”

Fidler said he’s been working with Matt Brennan, who works with the New York State Department of Labor. He will conduct a labor market workshop on March 20 at 10 a.m.

“Matt does this for a living,” Fidler said. “At the workshop, he’ll be helping answer questions on the interview process, how to make yourself look more appealing to employers and resume tips. He’s been a great asset helping us out with this.”

Fidler said potentially, more than 1,000 jobs are available at the career fair, with everything from man- ufacturing to white collar jobs.

For more information about the career fair, contact Fidler at 315-264-3274 or email at tfidler@twcny.rr.com

Veterans looking to attend the workshop must pre-register and can contact Brennan at 315-2554908. Availability is limited.