The job fair Saturday at Herkimer County Community College opened at 9 a.m., and people began showing up a half hour early, wanting to stand out to local employers.
But with almost one in ten Herkimer County residents unemployed, it would take more than just being the first in line to land a job from a handful of area companies and agencies offering work.
John Harrington, 23, of Herkimer, said he is currently employed part-time in maintenance at the county office building. Sitting with an HCCC Human Resources specialist, Harrington said he’s had a tough time finding full-time work and admitted, at the least, he hoped the job fair could expose what opportunities are available.
“It’s hard these days,” he said.
State Labor Department figures released last month showed just how difficult it has gotten recently.
The county’s unemployment rate was 9 percent for December 2009, up from 8 percent in November 2009; while Oneida County unemployment was at 7.5 percent in December, compared to 7.1 percent in November.
The statewide average unemployment rate for December was 8.8 percent, compared to 8.4 percent in November, and the national rate was 9.7, compared to 9.4.
Yet those that came out Saturday to the college’s art gallery and conference room showed their spirit has not been crushed. They filled out applications and turned in resumes. They shook hands and smiled. But most of all they showed up.
“I think just even talking to us is giving them a little hope,” said Angela Semo, HR director at HCCC. “It’s getting tougher for everyone, with or without degrees,” she added, “they’re showing you have to keep trying.”
Local employers like Folts Homes, HARC, and Valley Health Services were joined by regional firms like Adirondack Bank and Avon at the fair. And HCCC also held its own search to fill possible vacancies anticipated in the next year at the college, mainly in teaching positions.
It was the third time HCCC held this style of combined job fair, which is unlike on-campus fairs in March meant mostly for students, Semo said. Working with the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce, the college decided to welcome the outside companies onto campus to give the community an opportunity to make that all-important “first contact” with employers.
And although there would obviously not be enough jobs for everyone, a few connections made Saturday will surely result in employment.
Bob Brenchley, regional president of Adirondack Bank, said he would definitely be following up with several of the people that handed in resumes.
A number of productive introductions were made at the Census 2010 booth, too. And looking to fill over 1,700 temporary jobs regionally, averaging $11 for 25 to 30 hour workweeks, the U.S. Census Bureau offered a promising employment option.
Tracy Morgan, a Census recruiting assistant from Old Forge, said he had been signing people up “since they opened this place.” He talked people through the hiring process and job details, and then helped them pick a date to take the Census employment test at a local center.
Caitlin Gauthier, 21, of Herkimer, signed up to take the test after a brief explanation.
Gauthier, who hopes to graduate in May from HCCC in Arts Therapy, said she has “tried everyplace” to find temporary employment, handing out resumes and following up with calls. “But nothing so far,” she added.
The minor obstacles do not discourage Gauthier from her overall goals, however.
Listing her future plans, which include continuing her education, she wants to work with disabled children, helping them to use art to allow them to express themselves.
“I’ll get there,” she said.
Herkimer, N.Y. —
