An important effort aimed at matching job seekers with employment leads, career development training and basic community services is the second annual Westside Hiring and Resource Event.

The Westside Adult School Consortium is sponsoring the event on Tuesday, April 8, at the Los Banos Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to noon.

Together companies, educational institutions and workforce development groups assist people looking to join the workforce, change occupations or access resources by bringing them together. The event seeks to strengthen the local economy and provide people in need of employment possibilities by means of direct links between workers and businesses.

According to Lynn Cook of the consortium. a key feature of the event is the involvement of diverse companies committed to workforce development. From several sectors, companies will be recruiting for roles in agriculture, food production, healthcare, retail and logistics.

Merced College and other educational institutions will provide details on degree programs, certificates and workforce training in highly sought-after professions such as technology, business and healthcare.

For eager individuals who are looking for practical learning opportunities in disciplines such as construction, welding and automotive technology, apprenticeship and trade programs will be accessible.

Apart from employment and educational possibilities, community resource providers will give job preparedness assistance which includes career coaching, interview preparation and resume development.

Veterans’ services and financial aid programs will also be accessible, thereby guaranteeing registrants have a wide range of support.

The event will include several activities meant to provide participants an engaging and educational encounter. Employer booths will allow job seekers to interact personally with representatives of companies who are recruiting.

Presentations from universities and job training courses will provide information on future education prospects including financial aid and scholarship help.

Additionally accessible will be community support services including financial literacy, childcare and information for veterans. Participants will also be able to take advantage of raffle prizes and gifts from sponsoring companies and vendors.

The first Westside Hiring and Resource Event was well received with strong participation from both employers and job seekers. Many companies effectively hired new staff members, and participants valued the chance to interact with social services and training courses.

Last year’s event feedback has shaped this year’s event by means of improved planning, increased employer participation and better community involvement.

By guaranteeing that participants leave with meaningful employment leads, career tools and closer ties to their community, these enhancements hope to make the second annual event even more powerful.

For those interested in attending, registration is available online, though walk-ins are welcome. The event is completely free for all job seekers and community members.

By providing a space for job seekers, employers and resource organizations to come together, the second annual Westside Hiring and Resource Event continues to be a crucial initiative for workforce development in the region.

You can visit bit.ly/Westsideevent to register for this event.

Martina Bekasha