Large turn out for job fair

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, March 18, 2010, 4:31 PM)

With the Madera County unemployment rate nearing 17%, businesses closing, reduced operational hours and layoffs occurring in the Mountain Area, it was no surprise that more than 200 job seekers attended the Oakhurst Job Fair last Thursday at the Oakhurst Community Center.

Sponsored by the Madera County Workforce Assistance Center, the goal of the event was to connect job seekers with employers. Morgan Voorhis , business service representative for the Oakhurst Assistance Center, was pleased with the response.

"While the event itself was successful, true success will be measured by the number of individuals who become employed as a result," Voorhis said.

Those attending were greeted by California Land Management, U.S. Census Bureau, Delaware North Companies including Tenaya Lodge, the Internal Revenue Service, Oakhurst Healthcare and Wellness Center , The Redwoods, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging, Boyer Personnel and the California Highway Patrol.

Informational booths were also provided by the state Employment Development Department and the Workforce Assistance Center.

"I was amazed by how many people were standing in line," said Jim Robinson, California Land Management site manager for Bass Lake recreational area. "We ran out of applications within the first hour."

"We had a lot of good applicants come through," said Beverly Reeve, admissions director for Oakhurst Healthcare and Wellness Centre. "Many locals don't know that we employ up to 70 people with varying skill levels."

The relaxed and informal atmosphere created a unique opportunity for employers to connect with job seekers on a more personal level.

"This event is on a smaller scale from events we usually attend," said California Highway Patrol Recruitment Officer Bradley Simpson. "I was actually able to talk to people about the academy. If I was looking for a job, I'd rather come to a smaller event because there's more face time and more personal interaction."

Simpson pointed out the annual base salary for an officer is $61,450 and after four years can increase to $74,500.

Job seekers appreciated the one-on-one time and those who completed applications were hopeful interviews would ensue.

"It gave me an opportunity to connect with employers and gave me leads I did not have," said Cynthia Miller of Ahwahnee. "I met with positive and professional employers and feel very encouraged about staying locally employed."

Shana Robertson, transportation manager for Delaware North, said the company was looking for people to fill a variety of positions for the coming summer season in Yosemite.

"We are looking for housekeepers, hostesses, cashiers, hotel front desk staff, sandwichmakers at the Degans Deli, five parking attendants at Big Trees and nine reservation positions in Fresno," Robertson said. "All our entry-level positions pay above minimum wage."

The Bureau of Prisons was looking for 300 correctional officers, teachers, food service and recreation workers for the new Mendota medium-security facility that will open in 18 months with 1,500 inmates.

The Workforce Assistance Center, located at 41969 Highway 41, helps workers through retraining and job placement. Services include job skills assessment, career coaching, skill development and résumé completion.

The center also offers resources to employers including long- and short-term financing to new and existing businesses at low interest rates through the Madera County Small Business Loan Program.

Details: Workforce Development Office, (559) 683-6263, maderacountyworks.com.