Job seekers reentering the workforce encouraged to attend WNC Career Expo

Press release from Asheville Chamber of Commerce

With most participating employers interviewing or hiring on the spot for well-paying, available jobs, people returning to the workforce after an employment loss or a pause in career are encouraged to attend the upcoming WNC Career Expo.

Presented by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the WNC Career Expo will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 from 11a.m.–4p.m. at the WNC Agricultural Center’s Davis Event Center, located at 765 Boylston Highway in Fletcher. The event is free for all job seekers to attend, and no registration is required.

“The WNC Career Expo is back to help job seekers of all experience levels connect with rewarding opportunities,” said Nathan Ramsey, director of the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board. “Whether you’re returning to work after pandemic-related unemployment or are interested in beginning a new career, participating employers are ready to hire and look forward to meeting you.”

Free in-person resumé reviews will be available throughout the event to help participating job seekers prepare to engage with employers. No appointments or registrations are necessary.

Fifty-six participating employers plan to conduct on-site interviews for available roles, and 33 employers will be hiring on the spot. Job seekers can view a list of participating employers here.

The WNC Career Expo will allow job seekers to explore a wide range of well-paying career options; 97 employers in growing industries like manufacturing, health care, and hospitality are now registered to participate, and 85% of participating employers are hiring for at least one job paying $18 or more per hour.

WNC Career Expo participants will also be able to explore career opportunities that fit their schedules and household needs. More than 75% of participating employers are hiring for various shifts, like weekends, nights, or second shift, and 19 participating employers are hiring for remote work.

Opportunities are available for individuals who are experiencing significant employment barriers like previous justice involvement. Nearly half of employers registered for the WNC Career Expo say they are interested in working with candidates who are returning to the community from incarceration.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

To promote a safe experience for all participants, the WNC Career Expo will include both outdoor and indoor booths, with doors remaining open to promote ventilation. All job seekers, employer representatives, and volunteers are required to wear face coverings throughout the event. WNC Career Expo participants must practice the 3 Ws: wear a face covering; wait 6 feet apart from others; and wash or sanitize hands frequently.

ABOUT THE ASHEVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

For more than 120 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic vitality in our community. The Asheville Chamber connects more than 1,500 member organizations, both large and small, representing more than 80,000 employees, to valuable resources such as economic development and research, business education, marketing opportunities and advocacy. Asheville Chamber initiatives have stimulated economic development, influenced public policy and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses. Learn more at ashevillechamber.org.

To learn more about the event and view a list of participating employers, visit www.WNCCareerExpo.com.

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