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Workforce job fair draws large numbers

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Holding it’s second Gallup Job Fair, the New Mexico Workforce Connection, proved to be successful in outdoing its first job fair by quickly drawing in job applicants in hopes of finding a job around Gallup and the surrounding area.

The Gallup Job Fair, was held Jan. 25, at their office located at 2918 East Historic Highway 66 in Gallup. The turnout was more than they expected according to NMWC Business Consultant-Nikki Lee.

“Being this our second job fair, we were really glad for the huge turnout,” she said. “Our first job fair we’re able to do about 15-20 job placements. So we’re hoping this one will be pretty successful too.”

Several positions by employers were sought after such as: medical to office/clerical work, corrections, and the fast-food industry. More than six employers were on hand to recruit, such as First American Credit Union, Amazing Grace Personal Care Services, Tohatchi Area of Opportunity (TAOS), TransCor America, Legal Shield, United Healthcare, and RMCHCS.

In fact returning employers such as TransCor America and First American Credit Union, came back to hire more as they recently hired applicants from the last job fair.

“TransCor America hired two of our people, one from Albuquerque and one locally. First American Credit Union, hired two people,” Lee said. “They wanted to come back and hire more people because they liked the applicants we presented to them; they were reliable and very profession-able.”

Supporting programs such as the Department of Veterans and Work Investment Opportunity were present to answer questions and offer resources.

The last job fair brought in about 150 people, this time NMWC was ready and prepared to meet that and go beyond.

“The difference in this job fair is that we had our conference room set up where we took job applications for our employers who couldn’t make it … like the new Del Taco coming up, Churches Chicken, and Fairfield Inn,” Lee said. “The feedback was pretty positive as the applicants were in there filling out their applications, printing out their resumes, and doing a crash course on resume building.”

Earls, along with, A Taste of the Southwest, and Safeway, helped out by donating breakfast and lunch for everyone.

“A big part of the success was because of local community businesses that were willing to help in the different programs in our area,” Lee said. “We told them what we we’re doing and they wanted to help with food, advertising, anything to just get the word out.”

Information: (505) 863-8181 or visit website: www.jobs.state.nm.us

By Dee Velasco

For the Sun