OCEANSIDE — The North County Career Center job fair held in the Civic Center community room Oct. 20 drew more than 400 job seekers and more than 20 companies that were ready to hire.
Mayor Jim Wood opened the job fair with encouraging words for job seekers and employers.
“It’s a win-win,” Wood said. “People need jobs, and the tax money goes back into the economy. There are lots of employers here. It’s one stop that helps a lot of people.”
Government agencies, health services, energy plants and telecommunication providers were among the companies hiring.
“We’ve seen a lot of people, 70 to 80,” border patrol agent Jaime Licon said. “Five have already applied, and two have passed the test and are asking about the next step in the process. We’re hiring now.”
Jeremiah Nartey of San Diego will finish his master’s degree next year as an information systems manager. “I’m looking for a job,” Nartey said. “It’s very important.”
The job fair gave Nartey some good tips on how to apply for work on company online sites and news on upcoming job fairs.
Antonio Stevens-Phillips of Oceanside was encouraged after speaking with employers. “I talked to the Naval Corps,” Stevens-Phillips said. “I think there’s a good opportunity there. I gave in applications for other jobs.”
Some employers offered training opportunities plus future employment. “It’s a gold mine,” Bob Howard, a workforce educator with Southern California Edison, said. “The program is set up. Students get an associate and technology degree at MiraCosta College.”
The program waives tuition costs for qualified applicants and guarantees a summer job after training.
North County Career Center in Oceanside serves adults looking for employment and career training. The organization holds two large job fairs a year.
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