Annual job fair returns to Newton

Prospective employees looking for a new gig and employers looking for additional team members, will gather at the annual Newton Job/Career Fair this month.

For seven years, the Newton Development Corporation, Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Goodwill Career Connection Center have collaborated to coordinate the event.

This year, the job fair is slated for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 29 at the Newton DMACC Campus in the Conference Center.

Tanya Michener, of the Newton Development Corporation, said every year the event has successfully matched up employers with people in need of a job. Michener said the event typically sees around 200 attendees.

Michener said there are 34 businesses signed up to attend the job fair. The employers are located in Jasper County as well as in surrounding counties.

“We want to stress that it’s really a time for employees to market themselves,” Michener said. “Dress your best, dress for the industry you are interested in and have questions prepared.”

Michener said the event was sponsored by the four organizations and they each played a vital role.

“NDC kind of developed the event, Goodwill has prepared the participants and helped with their resumes, DMACC provided the space and marketing, ISU provided marketing,” Michener said. “We each have a stake in economic development.”

The career fair will offer opportunities for employees of all ages and skill levels.

“I think there are a lot of good jobs in Jasper County and surrounding areas and it’d be easy to commute,” Michener said. “There are employers with one or two positions open and it will provide a place for the employee to grow and advance.”

Some employers attending include, Trinity, TPI, Skiff Medical Center, Progress Industries, Graphic Packaging, Farm Bureau and Direct Tech.

Michener said attendees can expect to be directed on where to go and how the process works when they arrive.

“They can look at a list of companies and their descripitons when they walk into the reception area,” Michener said.

Michener said businesses can still sign up for a spot by contacting her at 641-787-8210.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com