By Dianne Anderson

Youth who may be running short on marketable skills, or even adults seeking new employment prospects have a lot to gain at upcoming job fairs where they can shake hands, interview and possibly land that dream career.

Applicants can show out their best attire and pitch their skills. Or, if they’re not ready for prime time, they could learn to sharpen interviews, shine up their resumes, and get to the top of the stack next time around.

On Friday, September 27, the Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition Youth Career & Job Fair hopes to reduce the stress of finding a job for their future leaders, innovators, and workforce. The event, which runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon is located at Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center at 5556 Summit Avenue in Fontana.

“This event is a unique chance to inspire and guide local youth as they explore potential career paths. It’s also an opportunity for our local business community to make a significant impact on the future of our young people and to help shape our community’s workforce,” said Mayor Acquanetta Warren.

City Spokesperson Monique Carter said the event clears the path for the business community to connect with local youth.

“We are still accepting vendor applications, currently, we have various businesses confirmed – Fontana PD, San Bernardino Fire, First Institute Training & Management, and several scholarship organizations just to name a few,” she said, adding that other event partners include the City of Fontana, and Chaffey College.

The Fontana Mayor’s Education Coalition was established in 2019, but she said the Youth-focused Job and Career Fair and Career – Pathfinder Day are the newest additions to the program.

“As a valued business or organization in Fontana, business participation will play a crucial role in providing our young attendees with the guidance, inspiration, and resources they need to explore various career paths, internships, and job opportunities,” Carter said in an email.

Directly engaging with motivated youth who want to learn about different industries and career options is one goal. The event also wants to showcase businesses, organizations, and community leaders invested in the future of Fontana’s youth.

She said the development of a skilled and informed local workforce is a strong focus, and they hope to alleviate any stress of the job-hunting process.

“Because this is a youth-focused event our participating vendors understand that for many of our attendees, this will be the first experience of communicating and, or, applying for employment,” she said.

Black youth are consistently hit harder by unemployment on a national scale.

A recently updated Economic Policy Institute report outlines that the second quarter of 2024 saw a slight softening in a strong labor market as unemployment rates increased across groups and disparities remained unchanged.

California, at last glance last month, held 5.2% unemployment rate for all, but for Whites, it was at 4.8%. Blacks were at 8.2% unemployment, Hispanics at 5.8% and AAPI at 3.8%.

On Thursday, September 19,  Moreno Valley is looking to pack the house with applicants at their regional city job fair, which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Conference and Recreation Center, located at 14075 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley.

“Our regional job fairs are a great educational resource and productive networking experience for job seekers and employers alike,” said Mayor Ulises Cabrera. “We host more than 50 employers and typically see several hundred attendees in search of career assistance. We also offer Veteran-focused workshops to help those who served our country.”

Companies typically accept resumes and applications at the event. Several employers are confirmed, including the City of Moreno Valley, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Solaris Paper, Walgreens, and Riverside County Office of Education, among many others.

On average, the Regional Job Fair hosts over 50 employers and over 400 participants, attendees, career seekers, along with Veteran-focused workshops. Other workshop topics include apprenticeship opportunities which can lead to career pathways.  Highlighted colleges in attendance include Moreno Valley College and the University of California, Riverside Extension and Riverside County Office of Education.

Robert Decker with the Moreno Valley Economic Development & Housing Department said their program usually pulls out good showing of employers and employees for their quarterly job fairs.

Mostly, he runs 30-minute workshops on everything from resume writing, apprenticeship opportunities, VA benefits, better interview skills, and how to start a small business.

Based on what he can see, things get busy.

He said a lot of people are very appreciative, and the event offers a little bit of everything.  In the past, they have had employers on the spot hires, and up to 60 vendors.

“Some people outside Moreno Valley will come here for ppl seeking employment,” he said. “We’ll have raffles, refreshments, interview skills and how to start a small business. Local professionals will provide insight and answer any questions attendees might have.”

For businesses interested in participating, contact mcarter@fontanaca.gov.

For more information on Moreno Valley opportunities, see https://www.moval.org/edd/