Several Belfast area organizations are collaborating to host a regional job fair at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center on Tuesday, March 7th from 10am until 2pm.
“With unemployment low, this is a tough time for business to find qualified hires. There are good jobs waiting for people who have the skills and qualifications and want to work,” says David Oxton, of State Sand and Gravel, Inc. State Sand and Gravel, a business with a long history in Belfast, is a likely participant in the event.
The City of Belfast, The University of Maine Hutchinson Center, The Maine Department of Labor, Workforce Solutions, Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, Our Town Belfast, and the Belfast Creative Coalition are united in their efforts to connect local citizens with opportunities in our community. “We recognize that this is a challenging time for employers who are in need of help finding good new potential employees,” says organizing committee-member Mike Hurley, a local business owner and member of the Belfast City Council.
Organizers hope to connect businesses and job seekers alike to seasonal and permanent employment and look forward to a hosting diverse array of Waldo County businesses at the event. Additionally, groups such as the Maine Department of Labor and Workforce Solutions will provide onsite resources such as interview readiness coaching and information about upcoming job training opportunities or job placement assistance.
“With the tightening labor market and low unemployment rate, getting a jump start on hiring is more important than ever,” stated Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. “We encourage employers start hiring now, by participating in job fairs, connecting with local hiring resources including our CareerCenters and the Maine JobLink, and thinking outside the box as to how they can best attract and retain workers.”
The job fair is free for all participants. Interested employers are asked to contact David Grima at 596-2600 or David.M.Grima@maine.gov by February 28th in order to reserve table space. Those who sign up by February 7th will be featured in promotional listings and publicity. Job-seekers are invited to RSVP to the event on Facebook by searching ‘Belfast Regional Job Fair’.