IRCO Job fair brings opportunity to young workers
In an economy where young people find it difficult to get employment, three agencies teamed up last month to present their annual Youth Job Fair.
Following the success of last year’s event, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization again hosted the event, working with SE Works, a community-based workforce development organization again, organizing and presenting the job fair.
Thirty employers were on hand to speak not only about immediate summer job openings, but to also assist young job seekers looking at long-term career possibilities. Representatives from the City of Portland, Portland Parks & Recreation, Nike, Portland General Electric, and Safeway, interviewed for positions currently available, as well as spoke candidly about how to shine in job interviews.
“This event is important to us, not only as a means of finding good candidates to fill entry level positions but because we believe it is part of our community responsibility to help counsel and guide young people who want to begin working,” said Joe Hutchins, staffing specialist with PGE. “We have many great employees in positions throughout our company who came to us as a youth seeking first time employment. This is a great event.”
Over 200 youth attended the fair, similar to last year’s attendance. IRCO is able to trace 27 youths who found their first job as the result of last year’s event.
Yee Lee, left, and Shee Lee, receives advice and information from Portland General Electric Staff Specialist Joe Hutchins at the IRCO Youth Employment Fair held last month.
In east Portland at 10301 NE Glisan St., The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization’s mission is to assist refugees, immigrants and multi-ethnic communities to develop self-sufficiency and cultural awareness while affirming and preserving each culture within an ever-changing global environment. IRCO’s phone number is 503-234-1541.
SE Works, is at 6927 S.E. Foster Rd., its Website is www.seworks.org/.
