BEAVER, W.Va. — An annual job fair hopes to bring opportunity to southern West Virginia.
The Erma Byrd Higher Education Center will host the U.S. Senator Joe Manchin & West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Erma Byrd Higher Education Center Regional Job Fair on Friday, March 23. Other partners in the event include WorkForce West Virginia, Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
The job fair also includes collaborations with area colleges like Bluefield State College, Concord University, Marshall University, New River Community & Technical College and for the first time WVU Tech. Erma Byrd Higher Education Center & Allied Health Wing Director Lisa Moten told MetroNews affiliate WJLS she is excited about the new partnership.
“This is our first collaboration since WVU Tech joined us in the Beckley area and we hope that having this collaboration will move us forward with future collaborations. Higher education right now is going to involve collaboration.”
Over 140 employers will be present and the list continues to grow. Moten said her goal is to reach 150 by Friday. One of the highlights of this year’s fair will be a visit from Facebook corporate’s office in California.
“Facebook has told me, ‘we’re not just looking for techies, we’re looking to hire business folks, accountants, lawyers’…all across the spectrum,” said Moten. “Having said that, this is something I wouldn’t miss.”
The event will also feature a resume workshop in Erma Byrd Center’s Allied Health Wing. New River Community & Technical College will offer help with organizing a resume and free printing.
In addition, resume stations will be placed throughout the building. Those who want to network but do not have time to stop by all of the tables can leave a resume behind. Sen. Manchin’s office will distribute copies of resumes left at the stations to all employers in attendance.
“We want everyone to understand if you don’t have a degree, we’ve got something there for you,” said Moten. “If you’re seeking a degree, all of the admissions offices from all of those schools will be present to reach out to you. If you’re a professional that’s in a career and you want to change jobs, there’s something there for you too.”
The job fair will be held from 11am-2pm at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Complex. It is located at 300 University Drive in Beaver. There is no cost to attend.
For more information and a complete list of employers who will be present, click here.