Sign of the times? Job fair postponed by Job Center

Talk about it

According to February 2009 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development statistics, 4,164 people in St. Croix County were out of work. That’s 8.8 percent of the workforce.

Unfortunately for those job seekers, the spring St. Croix Valley Job Fair has been postponed.

The fair was originally planned for the end of April. Not enough businesses signed up for the day-long event, said Sara Benedict, Workforce Resource coordinator for St. Croix Valley. They hope to have a job fair in the fall.

A typical job fair held by the St. Croix Valley Job Center has between 20 and 30 businesses. This year, the minimum number of businesses was reduced to 10 and still not enough signed up.

Many businesses aren’t hiring, and those that are have too few open positions to benefit from a job fair, Benedict said.

“We’re hoping things will pick up,” she said.

Traffic at the River Falls Job Center was highest in January, Benedict said. Things have slowed down somewhat since then.

“We’re still seeing a lot of people,” Benedict said. “Hopefully more are finding jobs.”

Even though the job fair has been postponed, the St. Croix Valley Job Center still has services to offer to those of all ages and skill levels seeking employment.

Staff can help with skills assessment, review of resumes and cover letters, preparation for interviews and employment searches.

Businesses with open positions can contact the job center to help fill them. Additionally, the Job Center can potentially host mini job fairs in their office space, Benedict said.

The St. Croix Valley Job Center hosts regular employment-related discussion groups.

• “Coffee and Careers” is held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. The group is informal, free and open to the public. Attendants can talk about the job market and network with others, while benefitting from Job Center services.

• Dislocated Worker Services meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 1-2 p.m. at the Job Center.

  The State of Wisconsin Dislocated Worker Program offers a variety of services at no cost to help eligible dislocated (laid off) workers find new jobs and careers.

  Job Center staff will help unemployed workers find services they are eligible for, like federal money and retraining.

• Youth employment and service learning opportunities are also available through the Job Center. Workforce Resources received a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help youth, ages 14-24, find meaningful work. Opportunities vary depending upon the occupation and hours. Interested youth can learn more through the Job Center.

The Job Center is also looking for businesses and community organizations to provide a supervised work experience designed to enhance exposure to career opportunities in the region. Workforce Resource will provide the wages and insurance for participating youth.

The St. Croix Valley Job Center serves St. Croix and Pierce counties. It is located at 625 Whitetail Blvd, Suite 120, River Falls. If you would like more information, call 715-426-0388.

Hours are from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Tuesdays until 6 p.m.

Tags: news, job, fair, cancellation