HAMLET — They came from all walks of life, young students to seasoned employees, looking for new opportunities and career growth.
They found an array of options available in a healthy and growing job market.
With the state’s unemployment rate down to 4.2 percent, those in the economic development arena say it’s a prime time to find a job.
Richmond Community College holds a career fair annually for both students and the community at large. This year’s fair, held Tuesday at Cole Auditorium — though dampened by unseasonably cold and wet weather— gave those who braved the conditions an opportunity to meet employers from the area. It was also a chance to get their resumes in the hands of decision makers for possible future employment.
According to Patsy Stanley, director of Career and Transfer Services at RCC, there were 52 firms represented at the job fair with participation from approximately 200 students and other job seekers.
“My whole goal though this event is to help the community and build our workforce,” said Stanley.
The job market is changing said Stanley, as the factories of today are more high-tech and require higher-level skills.
“The days of the machine operator who just pushed buttons are gone, industry is looking for people who can work with robotics, PLC’s, electronics and other advanced equipment,” she said, adding that the college looks to provide the skills needed for the employees of today and the future.
Some of the companies seeking potential employees included Trinity Manufacturing, Direct Pack, Enviva, Hood Packaging, Domtar Paper, Superior Crane, Cascades, Plastek, Von Drehle, JB Construction, First Health, Big Rock, Arauco, Schaeffler and Therafirm.
There were also representatives from the public sector, including the N.C. State Highway Patrol, and the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as a number of health-care providers such as FirstHealth, Scotland Health Care, Home Choice Healthcare, Daymark, and RHA Health Services.
For those who missed the job fair, the Rockingham N.C. Works is a resource that can assist with resume development and job searches. For more information, visit www.ncworks.gov.
