From Connections Work
Photo courtesy of Cytonn Photography on Unsplash
Connections Works is holding its Spring Career Fair at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading on Monday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This career fair is open to anyone in the community who is on probation or parole or has past involvement in the criminal justice system or domestic relations involvement.
“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 current hiring needs and future growth. Local employers will want to consider registering for the Connections Work Job Fair where they will meet with a diverse group of eager job-seekers who might be a good match for their current and future needs,” said Dan Fogarty, Chief Operating Officer, Berks County Workforce Development Board.
Connections Work anticipates approximately 30 area employers will be in attendance, including Morgan Truck Body, Tower Health, Brentwood Industries, and New Castle Lawn & Landscape, along with several local social service providers. These employers offer second-chance employment opportunities, which is life-changing for many individuals in our community.
Volunteers will be on hand to provide support to job seekers, including assistance with filling out applications, mock interviews, and general job readiness coaching. Laptops will be provided by the Berks County Library System so job seekers can complete the online applications.
Connections Work is the leading provider of reentry workforce development programming in Berks County, equipping individuals with justice involvement and other barriers to employment with the tools and skills necessary to become productive members of our community. Obtaining stable employment at a living wage is important to one’s reentry success. Connections Work’s Employment Development Specialist partners with area employers to learn about the employers’ specific operations and provides referrals of individuals who are a good match for their hiring needs.
“Like any other individuals, individuals who have had involvement with the justice system can add value to the workplace. In fact, in some cases, employers find they are 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,” said Nikki Schnovel, Co-Executive Director, Connections Work.
“[Connections Work’s] job fair was excellent! I have been to a lot of job fairs and a good amount of them are not fruitful in the slightest. On the contrary, [Connections Work’s] job fair provided us with a lot of candidates who were eager to get into the workforce!” said Tyler, UPS.
If you are an employer who is interested in attending the event, contact HelpWithHiring@ConnectionsWorks.org or 484-260-3860 extension 3024.
If you or someone you know has criminal justice involvement and needs assistance finding a job, call Connections Work at 484-260-3860, visit ConnectionsWork.org, or stop by the Connections Work office at 19 N. 6th St., fourth floor, in Reading, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and programs and services are provided free of charge.
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Source: bctv