The largest job fair of its kind in eastern North Carolina is returning for the fourth year to address workforce development needs in Pitt County and surrounding areas. Pitt Community College (PCC), John M. Belk Endowment, Greenville Eastern North Carolina (ENC) Alliance, Pitt County Economic Development, Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, and Inner Banks Media, are teaming up to host the “Better Skills, Better Jobs” Fair on Thursday, October 3 at the Greenville Convention Center. Community partners include East Carolina University, Pitt County Schools, Greenville Utilities, Tradesformers, Koinonia Community Solutions, NCWorks, and ECU Health.
“Since the first Better Skills, Better Jobs Fair was held in 2021, the event has proven to be a valuable and effective means of connecting thousands of people searching for jobs or more gainful employment with the business and industries in our community that need them,” said Pitt Community College President Maria Pharr. “It’s a tremendous example of the wonderful opportunities that can result from collaborations between employers, institutions of higher learning, and community resources.”
This career fair provides adult jobseekers and interested high school students with the opportunity to learn about and apply for open positions with local companies. This year’s event will feature more than 100 currently hiring employers and vendors offering career resources and educational information. Pitt County high school students will be bussed in from their schools in the morning, while adult jobseekers are invited to pre-register for the general session from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On-site registration will also be available. In addition to connecting with employers, jobseekers will have access to essential career resources, including the Dress for Success mobile closet, which provides professional attire for interviews. Pitt Community College’s mobile career labs will offer on-site career guidance and free professional headshots by the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas will allow jobseekers update their profiles and resumes.
For Pitt County Economic Development and Greenville ENC Alliance, workforce development and job training initiatives that strengthen the local talent pipeline are priorities for economic development recruitment and retention efforts.
“Companies need people. People need jobs. Those jobs require skills that can most likely be obtained at Pitt Community College,” said Kelly Andrews, director of Pitt County Economic Development. “Better Skills, Better Jobs brings together employers, job seekers, and skilled training providers under one roof, making meaningful connections possible. This is the key to success for all that participate.”
Last year, 1,130 career seekers and high school students met face-to-face with employers to learn about careers in a variety of fields and industries. Most of these companies offer well-paying jobs, health benefits, and paid time off.
“One of the unique aspects of this particular career fair is the fact that, number one, we incorporate a special exclusive high school component and, number two, that we combine the top employers from the area with the education and workforce resources in one location, for one day,” said David Horn, director of strategic partnerships for the Greenville ENC Alliance. “And it’s a very powerful one-day event that we’ve found is very, very effective.”
Those planning to attend the fair should register online by visiting https://pittcc.edu/better-skills-better-jobs-fair/. Some participating companies will conduct on-site job interviews, so jobseekers are encouraged to bring an updated resume.
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Media Relations Contact:
Maria Satira
Director of Marketing and Communications
Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance
satira@encalliance.com
252-414-2875