SAN JOSE, CA– More than 200 high school and post-secondary students from throughout the county attended the Santa Clara County Office of Education Annual 2017 Workability Youth Job and Career Fair Friday. This event offers students an opportunity to learn job interview skills, get professional assistance with resumes and cover letters, and interview with Bay Area employers including Safeway, City of Milpitas, Shoreline Amphitheatre, and Home Depot.
The Workability program assists students with the transition from school to work, by providing comprehensive vocational training and work experience. "We do this because it helps our students' hopes and dreams," said Cynthia Valadez, education coordinator of the Career/Vocational Education Program. "It helps them go out into the community and get jobs."
The Workability program provides supportive and competitive worksite placement and follow-up services. Students also gain self-esteem and receive other services like vocational training and assessment, worksite supervision and continuing education.
Many of the local employers who participate in the job fair, including Galen Giampetro from In-N-Out Burger, pride themselves in working with the community. "Even if we can just help give people more face to face interactions and learn how to interview a little bit better, I feel like we've done something good," said Giampetro.
There were also opportunities for students interested in trade programs, such as Villera, a company that offers careers in heating, air conditioning, and plumbing. "We have an internship program," said Eliseo Gamboa, a field recruiter for Villera. "We are looking to bring in students that might not be college bound."
WorkAbility also partners with various employers – including restaurants, retailers and movie theaters – to provide students with on-the-job training with no employer costs, and training wages for some students. In addition to meeting and interviewing with potential employers, students participated in mini-workshops where even handshakes were critiqued by professionals.
Pictures of the event are available online. To learn more, visit the Workability program page.
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