The largest job fair of its kind in eastern North Carolina is returning for the third 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, Inner Banks Media, and Koinonia Community Solutions are teaming up to host the “Better Skills, Better Jobs” Fair on Thursday, October 5 at the Greenville Convention Center. Community partners include East Carolina University, Pitt County Schools, Greenville Utilities, Tradesformers, NCWorks, and ECU Health.
“Pitt Community College is committed to educational equity and carrying people as far as they can go through higher education,” PCC President Lawrence Rouse said. “Our programs and services are inspiring hope in people wanting to better their life’s circumstances and teaching them skills needed to secure rewarding, well-paying careers.”
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 110 currently hiring employers and vendors that offer career resources or educational information. Pitt County high school students will be bussed in from their schools in the morning and adult jobseekers are invited to pre-register for timeslots from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Jobseekers can also register on-site for the afternoon session.
“In each of the two years it’s been held, the ‘Better Skills, Better Jobs Fair’ has connected hundreds of jobseekers and prospective students with the businesses and industries that need them and the educational institutions and community resources ready to prepare them for the workplace,” added Rouse. “It’s also been an effective means of making those already employed understand how additional education can help them advance within their current fields of employment or prepare for entirely new careers.”
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.
“For Pitt County to grow and thrive, we need job seekers with diverse backgrounds and skills sets to connect with our local companies. If there are training needs, those resources will be on hand as well,” said Kelly Andrews, executive director of Pitt County Economic Development. “This event is all about making those essential connections, and we aim to enhance the opportunities to do so each year.”
Last year, more than 800 job 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.
“What makes this event so powerful is the unique bridge it offers between career pathways and career opportunities,” said David Horn, director of strategic partnerships for the Greenville ENC Alliance and co-chair of the Better Skills, Better Jobs fair. “It brings the region’s top employers plus the education and workforce resources to one location so those looking to advance or change their career can do that right now.”
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
