Job-seekers invited to Chesco job fair
More than 30 employers expected to attend in Coatesville
COATESVILLE >> Job seekers looking for work or looking for a better job, may find what they are looking for at a Coatesville Job and Career Fair scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13.
The event will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the CCIU – Gordon Early Literacy Center, 351 Kersey Street in Coatesville, and is a collaborative effort by CCIU-Gordon Early Literacy Center, the Chester County Workforce Development Board and PA CareerLinkChester County.
It is the latest job fair to be held in Coatesville over the past two years, according to Pat Bokovitz,
Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development and the County’s Workforce Development Board. He said the events have been held twice a year; the last one was held in February.
“We’re very involved in Coatesville’s revitalization and have a desire to make sure individu
als and families can benefit from what’s coming in terms of revitalization,” he said. “The events are part of making sure residents are aware of the opportunities that are out there. We want to make them as accessible as possible to as many people as we can.”
As of Monday afternoon, Bokovitz said 35 employers were scheduled to participate. He added that turnout for past events has been good from both the employer and participant perspective, with more than 150 attending each event.
With a Chester County unemployment rate of 3.1%, it is critical that there are regular events like the one scheduled for Coatesville, to match employer needs with potential employee skills, according to Bokovitz.
“There are a lot of employers hiring and posting jobs, and we have seen a lot of new individuals coming into the labor force in the last year. All of the indicators are very positive,” he added.
Bokovitz said that the companies attending the event reflect the employment needs in industry, manufacturing, transportation and healthcare — especially around home health care.
“They have a strong interest in connecting with job seekers,” he said.
The free Job and Career Fair is open to the public, and candidates of all ages, experience levels and industries are encouraged to attend. Attendees should come professionally dressed, and with a supply of resumes.
“Keep an open mind to engage with the employers that are there and connect with them and maybe have a conversation to drill down on what opportunities they
might have,” Bokovitz suggested.
Because the event may be busy, Bokovitz also suggests attendees take their time when they arrive, understand who is in the room and interact with everyone they think could be a potential place of employment.
“Manage your expectations of what you’ll get out of it. The employers want to engage, they want to get to know people. Use that dynamic to understand the opportunity each employer has,” he said.
Bokovitz added that CareerLink staff will also have a table at the job fair, and he encourages attendees to connect with CareerLink and stay in touch after the event as a “great way to stay in the know.”
Employers participating in the Nov. 13 Job and Career Fair include Monarch Staffing, the County of Chester, Chester County Intermediate Unit, USSC Group, Barclay Friends, Herr Foods, Home Helpers, CCRES Educational & Behavioral Health Services, Interim
Health Care, UPS, Careers USA, AGC Chemical Americas, Inc., Krapf Bus, Resources for Human Development, Manpower US Inc. - East Norriton, Seniors Helping Seniors, Genesis Healthcare PowerBack Exton, Comforcare Home Care Chester County, Express Employment Pros, Human Services, Inc., Tower Health, Citadel Federal Credit Union, The Protection Bureau, Advanced Protection Company, Maternal and Child Health Consortium, Autozone, Rite Aid, Forcine Concrete, Rent A Center, Inc., and the U.S. Army.