CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Thursday, Carowinds hosted the Job Fair of the Carolinas, with over 40 employers looking for qualified candidates. An in-person event, the job fair was the result of a collaboration between NCWorks and SC Works.
Job openings were available in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, IT, law enforcement, state and local government, transportation and hospitality.
In an effort to connect businesses with talent, a challenge since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, career centers throughout the region have opted for more creative approaches to the hiring process.
NCWorks and SC Works had team members at the event, offering guidance for job seekers, as well as other employment and training resources.
“It is a job seeker market right now and employers are looking for qualified candidates," Ronne Grantham, Regional Operations Manager for the NC Dept. of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions said. “One of the things we’re hearing from job seekers and businesses is that they truly appreciate this in-person event. You know over the past few years we’ve done a lot of things virtually.”
SC Works and NCWorks have partnered before for the Job Fair of the Carolinas. Region 2 Area Director for the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, Diana Goldwire, said that this collaboration "...just makes sense. Job seekers and employers do not see county or state lines. By working together, we are therefore helping more people get back to work."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics North Carolina's unemployment rate has remained consistent at 3.4% since April. South Carolina's unemployment rate sits at 3.2%.
Both of the Carolinas remain under the national unemployment rate.
Carowinds is one of the businesses looking to hire. Recruiters there say it's all about seeking folks from all ages and backgrounds as well as offering employee incentives.
“Very much interested in any and everyone that has a passion for people," Carowinds recruiter Angelique Charles said. "Good with speaking with people, customer service, guest relations and just that down to earth Carolina hospitality.”
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