A free job and career fair, open to high school students or anyone in the employment market, is taking place next Thursday, May 11, at Highlander Charter School in Warren. The fair is specifically aimed at Highlander and Mt. Hope High School students, but it is open to anyone, high school age or otherwise.

Twenty-five local businesses will be accepting applications, offering attendees informational interviews, or extending job shadowing or internship opportunities. Jeanne D’Agostino, the Highlander director of development who has been coordinating this event along with the East Bay Chamber of Commerce, said: “The major goal for the fair is to showcase many business in the community that are either offering jobs, looking for employees, or are willing to share information about their business with students and community members.”

Not only does the fair benefit students and those looking to switch gears professionally, it’s a chance for businesses to expand and network. D’Agostino went on to say, “It’s two-fold. One is to help businesses find employees, and two, it’s to help students see what’s available out there in our community as they prepare to leave high school.”

While this event was originally catered towards, and is primarily being marketed to juniors and seniors, it is open to the general public and many organizations are actively looking to fill open positions.

D’Agostino said, “I want the community to know this is for them. If there are adults out there looking, this is a great time to shop around and meet people within these organizations, which is so much more valuable than just sending in a resumé.”

The 25 employers will showcase opportunities among a vast array of fields, such as finance, construction, retail, healthcare, as well as organizations like Year Up and AmeriCorps.

“We hopefully have something for everyone,” D’Agostino said. “We’re trying to make it broad so there’s something of interest for anyone who comes.”
The job fair is open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.