Eastlake City Councilman Michael Zuren admits that last year’s first Western Lake County Community Job Fair wasn’t perfect.
For one thing, it was only for adults, despite being held at North High School.
For another thing, last year’s event was held in late May — too late for many youth to nab a decent summer job anyway.
The second annual job fair — held this time on April 7 — solved both problems.
“Last year, it was only for 18 and over. We had a big group of teens looking for work that had to leave,” Zuren said during the North High School event. “Also, last year’s fair was held too late. So we improved on those things this year.”
More than 40 businesses had booths for job seekers to cut through the barriers and meet directly with hiring managers, up from about 32 last year.
Some of those businesses were looking to fill openings for those 16 and over, including Marc’s, Walmart, Subway, the city of Willoughby, Eastlake Goodwill, Panera Bread, Bruegger’s Bagels and Stonehill Hotel & Suites kitchen staff.
“We’re mostly looking for delivery drivers, but we hire as low as 14 years old for our cleaning crew,” said Nick Poling, assistant delivery manager for Sun Rental in Mentor.
Stephanie Bucklan, acting general manager at Bruegger’s Bagels, said they have had good luck with younger workers.
“Some of our people come to us in high school, go on to community college and become shift supervisors,” she said. “It can be a really good career starter.”
James Clark, program coordinator for the Willoughby Parks and Recreation Department, said positions start at age 15.
“I’m primarily looking for lifeguards,” said Clark. “Every year, it takes a staff of about 80 people — lifeguards, cashiers, managers, water safety instructors and lifeguard instructors.”
Trevor Puglis, a 16-year-old student at North, went to the job fair with three friends who were also looking for summer work.
“Walmart and Marc’s look promising,” said Trevor. “I’m looking for a job to gain people skills.”
There were positions available for candidates of all ages, experience levels and professions. Other employers represented included Willoughby-Eastlake Schools Human Resource Department, People Plant Ideas, Steris Corp., WINT Radio and Haute Ohio Magazine.
“A couple people were here looking for teaching jobs and they left with some ideas,” said Zuren. “We’re hoping for about 300 people to make it worthwhile to the businesses. This is just one way Eastlake shows we support our businesses and want them to be successful.”
The job fair was sponsored by the Lake County Ohio Visitors Bureau.
Don’t miss
>> Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library to hold the first Lake County Teen Volunteer Fair