RICHMOND COUNTY- Several opportunities for Richmond County citizens to explore job opportunities are coming within the next few weeks.
Martie Butler, Richmond County economic developer, recently discussed several job fairs to be held here soon.
The NC Works Career Center will be sponsoring a job fair for TIC. This is the company that is building the new Enviva site on Highway 177 North of Hamlet. Enviva is a wood pellet plant that will make pellets used in the generation of power as well as for home heating and cooking. The fair will be held at Cole Auditorium on September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They have job openings for temporary assignments as well as some permanent job opportunities. TIC is looking for pipe-fitters, electricians, millwrights, and iron workers with 6 to 14 month assignments for the temporary positions.
Richmond Community College will be holding an Industry Career Fair on October 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cole Auditorium. All industries will be invited to attend. Butler said, “It’s a regional event; we are asking folks looking for a job to come with a resume to come dressed professionally and be prepared to interact with the different industries.” Butler noted that if someone needs help with their resume or interviewing skills prior to the event they can go to the career center at Richmond Community College where they will be given assistance in preparing for an interview.
During the County Commissioners meeting Tuesday evening Butler spoke about the job market overall. She told the board of Direct Pack’s new plans to expand and potentially add a new plant. “Direct Pack is a great example of not just adding a few employees but having to build another facility.”
According to NC Works website, North Carolina’s overall unemployment rate is currently at 4.1%. Regionally, Richmond County is in a middle of the pack position. Scotland County stands at 7.8% which is currently the highest in the state, while Richmond County is at 5.7% unemployment and Moore County is at the statewide average of 4.1%.
