Job-readiness training and job fair connect unemployed to employers ready to hire

More than 240 job seekers attended a job fair Tuesday, April 22, 2014, hosted by an employment coalition made up of the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), Milwaukee Achiever, the Guest House, WCS Parsons House, Infallible Helping Hands, and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The job fair was held at the HACM Community Services Building, located at 650 W. Reservoir.
The event connected job seekers to 27 Milwaukee-area employers and apprenticeship programs, including Rockwell Automation, FedEx, Time Warner Cable, Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership, and others.
“Preparing unemployed people to enter the workforce is one of my top priorities,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “I’m glad that the Housing Authority and these other agencies have continued to lead the way.”
In the weeks leading up to the job fair, more than 120 people attended job readiness training that offered assistance with interview preparation, résumé writing, and basic job-seeking skills. The training was offered through the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB).
“The training helped me get focused and prepare for the job fair,” said Dana Armstrong, who has been unemployed since his job as a transportation driver ended two months ago. “The training taught me how to present myself professionally and how to ask questions that can help determine if the job is a good fit.”
Armstrong left the job fair with a scheduled interview and information about apprenticeship programs. “It’s looking promising,” he said.
“I was very impressed with the candidates,” said Eric Pickmosa, Talent Acquisition Specialist for Manpower. “They were better prepared than at most job fairs – better dressed, more confident to introduce themselves, and ready with their résumés.” Pickmosa sent several job-seekers to meet directly with hiring managers to be considered for open positions.