MCC adult education job fair yields opportunities
As she paused from completing a job application, Lakisha Bush said she is looking for better opportunities.
And thanks to MCC’s Adult Education Program’s first Job Fair held at the Ralph E. Young Center, Bush and others are getting that chance to reach her dreams.
“I think this is nice for them to help us… to have an equal opportunity,” Bush said.
More than 65 students met with representatives from 12 vendors and businesses to glean job leads.
The job fair was geared for adult education students who do not have a traditional high school diploma or GED, said Rhonda Smith, transitional specialist with the Adult Education Department who spearheaded the event. “Although our adult education students do not have a diploma, we have students who have skills such as basic training,” she said.
“They have a hard time getting hired without that experience,” Smith added.
Students in the programs range in ages 16-70, so some have already had jobs, Smith explained. This particular job fair offers a leg up. “This the first opportunity to give our students a second chance at becoming employed at a local company.”
Hosting the fair at the adult education facility helped to eliminate the obstacle of transportation, and students prepped on what to wear and how to interview before the event.
Potential employers were also beneficiaries of the job fair. Structural Steel Personnel and Safety Manager Mike Evans agreed the event was a great opportunity. “We love it. We have been looking forward to this. A lot of these may not know where we are and that we can help. We always need good people,” he said.
With forklift training, CPR and first aid as skills under her belt, Bush has plans to accomplish more. “I’m going to finish getting my GED, using my skills that I have and actually get a job that makes me feel comfortable with life,” she said.
Photo: Adult Education Instructor Jamila Coleman assists Lakisha Bush to complete an application during the first MCC adult education job fair.