Community-Wide Job Fair

Community Currents: Conversations from the Riverview Gardens Community-Wide Job Fair

On April 26th, the 2nd Annual Riverview Gardens Community-Wide Job Fair gave 40+ local businesses and 175 attendees the chance to connect face to face in looking for new hires and for employment. During the afternoon employers conducted interviews on-site, collected resumes, and gave out info about their businesses. Attendees could walk around, use two on-site laptops to update their resumes or fill out applications, and enjoy networking with future employers.

Attendees converse with Employers from a variety of businesses in the Fox Valley

Speaking with Brittany Hildebrandt from Faith Technologies, one of the local businesses present at the job fair, she explained why it is so important that local businesses connect with Riverview Gardens as one way to hire new employees. “It’s a way to give people a chance,” she commented. When asked about Faith Technologies working with Riverview Gardens to hire ServiceWorks graduates Brittany readily shared this story about Nick* who dreams of being an electrician. After graduating from ServiceWorks, Nick was hired by Faith Technologies as an assembler, an entry-level position. During the following months Nick worked hard, was punctual, and proved himself to be a team player and also a role model. He was promoted to helper, and now has just been approved to work in the 4-year electrician apprenticeship program. By participating in the Riverview Gardens Job Fair, Faith Technologies wants to continue this possibility of success with other individuals who might be in a similar position to Nick, and who need an employer who is willing to taking a leap of faith, so to speak, by hiring a ServiceWorks graduate.

Speaking with Rodney* and Paul*, two recent ServiceWorks graduates who were attending the job fair, it was clear how important the ServiceWorks program was to set them up for future employment. Rodney, a stay-at-home dad for the past several years is looking for full-time employment in manufacturing. When asked about the role ServiceWorks has played in his job search he commented on the importance of developing a routine, a sense of camaraderie, and the low stress atmosphere of working on the farm. He would love to work in a similarly supportive environment somewhere in the Fox Valley. Paul, looking to work for CMD Corporation talked about how he was able to use his skillset and expertise in commercial painting to work on the new Riverview Gardens building on College Ave. Paul also mentioned the positive, no-judgement attitude from Riverview Gardens within the ServiceWorks program, creating a safe space for growth and improvement.

Attendees use on-site laptops to update resumes and apply on-line

Other employers at the job fair echoed Brittany’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to help people move forward with their lives through employment. Many employers also commented on the successful organization of the job fair and were impressed by the flow of candidates. All in all it was an incredibly successful afternoon to facilitate further community connection through employment, helping the Fox Valley develop and grow.

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