Largo, MD - This morning, more than 100 bilingual job seekers came out to the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to participate in its first 'Bilingual Latino Job Fair and none were disappointed. Residents looking for access to well-paying job opportunities met with more than 30 employer partners, all of whom had immediate needs for positions to be filled. Of the 100 job seekers in attendance, more than 70% left with multiple job offers. EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman and Workforce Development Director Walter Simmons were joined by County Council Member Deni Taveras (Dist. 2), and Daisy Rickert, County Executive Rushern L. Baker's Latino Affairs Liaison who came out to encourage and support the Job Fair attendees.
"Today is a wonderful day in Prince George's County and we are thrilled to see so many employers ready to meet our job seekers," said Coleman. "County Executive Baker wants us to make sure we are connecting all of our residents with great high-wage jobs. That's what today's event is all about. We're reaching out to every single community to make sure that everyone is included and has a great, prosperous life here in Prince George's County!"
Today's Job Fair was a culmination of the EDC's Workforce Services Division's three day outreach to bridge language and cultural barriers to employment in the Bilingual Latino community. The outreach consisted of two days of Career Readiness Sessions, where participants were able to receive assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, career development, dressing for success and free occupational skills training. Residents participating in those sessions obtained a clear understanding of the steps they need to move forward on their career paths. Lazaro Rodriguez attended the Career Readiness Sessions and the Job Fair and was successful in securing three job offers today.
"I got a blessing today with three job offers. I'm really excited," said Rodriguez. "I'm so glad that I came out to the One Stop Career Center this week. They taught me how to update my resume, how to explain myself at an interview and how to talk about my education. This has been a wonderful opportunity for a great start!"
Participating companies from a variety of industry sectors held on-site, one-on-one interviews with candidates; many of whom were hired on the spot. Industries represented at today's Job Fair included: New York Life, Chaney Enterprises, WMATA, the Hilton Garden Inn Greenbelt and Goodwill of Greater Washington. All of the employers were impressed with the quality and preparedness of the candidates. Many were delighted to be a part of such a unique job fair.
"Today's Job Fair fits perfectly into what we are all about at WMATA," said Roberto Moreno, Senior Diversity Officer for Metro. "We are focused on diversity recruitment, military and veteran recruitment and disability recruitment to support the community. Our Metro Jobs program is designed specifically for the Latino population, so this Bilingual Latino Job Fair creates great synergies between WMATA and the Economic Development Corporation. We have met some excellent candidates today and I know that we can find a place for them at Metro."
The EDC's Workforce Services Division will continue to reach out to all of the residents of Prince George's County to ensure that they have access to well-paying careers. The One Stop Career Center Manager Vernice Gonzales was extremely pleased with the turn out and is eagerly looking forward to reaching more Bilingual Latinos at the next event.
"Today has been wonderful. We have been able to provide employment to the Bilingual Latino Community," said Gonzales. "A lot of the time, the Latino community is not aware of the services that the County provides its residents for employment assistance. This particular event is not just important to match individuals with employment, it is also important for us to reach out to them to let them know about the employment services and job readiness services that the EDC provides through the One Stop Career Center.
For more information on how to identify job opportunities, register for job training and certification or career development workshops, contact Walter Simmons, Director of Workforce Development Services at 301-618-8400 or wsimmons@co.pg.md.us.