MOESC and Richland Area Chamber of Commerce to Hold Student Job Fair May 6th
Mansfield, OH – Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, in partnership with Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development, SPARC Talent Development, and Richland County Job and Family Services, will be hosting a job fair for high school and college students on May 6th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center, 890 W. Fourth Street in Mansfield.
Students will find internships, seasonal or summer work, part time, and long term/full time career options. This Job Fair is an opportunity for students to discover what is available to them in Richland County. There will be a wide range of industries represented - from healthcare to construction.
Clint Knight, the Director of Workforce Development at the Richland Area Chamber, said it is important for young people to identify their career and skills interests early, so that they can begin to focus their path. “By getting students into the job market early, they can touch, see, and experience work - and realize that there are necessary skills which make you and your employer successful. Many of those "hard skills" can be learned prior to graduating high school - and that only sets them up for earlier success. It is our responsibility as parents, educators, and employers to help young people learn what they don't want to do - just as much as it is to help them learn what they do want to do. The earlier we help students realize those interests - the better it is for everyone involved.” Knight said, in planning the event, employer participation has far exceeded his expectations with the event reaching capacity and there are a number of companies on a waiting list. Among the dozens of employers, students will also find opportunities with the Youth and Family Council for their Summer Work program.
He said his expectations for student participation are also high. “My hope is that we see between 250-300 students walk through the doors on May 6th - the opportunities are certainly there. I expect to see over 100 young people achieve some level of employment from this event, and just getting face time with some of these employers could help give a young person a better sense of direction.”
Mid-Ohio ESC Superintendent Kevin D. Kimmel expressed his appreciation to the Chamber and employers for collaborating with Mid-Ohio to make this event possible. “There really is nothing like work experience for a young person. It’s encouraging to see so many employers ready to hire young people and give them their first chances in the workforce.”
Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center provides specialized academic and support services to 10 school districts and over 17,000 students in Crawford, Morrow and Richland Counties. Client Districts receive services from curriculum, gifted and special education consultants, speech pathologists, psychologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists and physical therapists.