Connections Work will host a career fair for those involved in the justice system.
The event will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon. The career fair is open to anyone in the community who is on probation or parole or has had past involvement in the criminal justice system.
Dan Fogarty, chief operating officer for the Berks County Workforce Development Board, said local employers will meet with job seekers who might be a good match for their current and future needs.
“In my ongoing conversations with local employers across all industries, the need to attract and retain talent in a challenging labor market remains their major barrier to full business recovery and future growth,” he said.
Connections Work anticipates more than 40 employers will attend, including Morgan Truck Body, Tower Health and Brentwood Industries. Several local social service providers will also be offering second-chance employment opportunities.
Volunteers will be on hand to provide support to job seekers by providing assistance filling out applications, performing job readiness coaching and conducting mock interviews. Laptops will be provided by the Berks County Library System so job seekers can complete online applications.
Connections Work is the leading provider of reentry workforce development programming in Berks, equipping people with justice involvement and other barriers to employment with the tools and skills necessary to become productive members of our community.
The organization partners with local employers to learn about the employers’ specific operations and provides referrals of people who are a good match for their hiring needs.
“Like any other individuals, those with justice involvement can add value to the workplace,” Connections Work Co-Executive Director Nikki Schnovel. “In fact, in some cases, employers find individuals with a criminal record more motivated and eager for success than their counterparts. They are ready to make a change and live a productive life and are very appreciative of those who help make that happen.”
For employers interested in attending the event, contact HelpWithHiring@ConnectionsWorks.org or call 484-260-3860 ext. 3024.
Source: Berkshire mont