HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Job seekers will have to opportunity to meet with employers Friday at a job fair in Cabell County.
The Huntington Job and Resource Fair will be held at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. More than 160 employers are scheduled to participate.
The Office of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., is one of the job fair’s coordinators. Manchin said Friday’s event will be bigger than the 16 job fairs his office held last year.
“We just need more workers in West Virginia that are not drug addicted, that have skill sets and have a desire to work,” he said on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Manchin told program host Hoppy Kercheval the state’s success depends on the strength of its workforce, which is connected to the number of people working.
“This is the first time in the history of my life, your life and many generations that we’ve had fewer people in the adult workforce working,” he said. “Less than 50 percent of those who could be and should be working are working. What’s happened? Either you’re addicted, have a conviction or you lack skill sets, or a combination of those three.”
In addition to meet with organization representatives, attendees will also be able to leave copies of their resume with Manchin’s staff, who will share this information with participating employers.
The city of Huntington, WorkForce West Virginia, Marshall University and the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce are some of the other organizations helping coordinate the event.
Marshall University will have personnel on site to assist job seekers with career-building services, such as the writing resumes.
The event will also have an space designated for career options in military and veteran services, according to a statement from the senator’s office.
Manchin said those without experience will have an opportunity to be set up with the needed education. The “Get Ready Resource” area will have information regarding career building and training opportunities.
“If you want to turn your life around, want to change your life or want a better job, the Big Sandy Arena is the place to be,” he said.
The job fair will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.