According to gov.ca.gov, in July, California’s unemployment rate dropped from 0.3% to 3.9%, establishing a new record low going back to the official data series that started in 1976.
“Californians are getting back to work with record low unemployment,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We have historic reserves and we’re putting money back in people’s pockets as we continue to lead the nation’s economic recovery.”
On August 26th, The City of Bakersfield hosted its first job fair. The job fair took place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community House at Mill Creek Park. Full-time and temporary positions were available in fields like technology services, the Bakersfield Fire Department, the Bakersfield Police Department, recreation and park services, water resources, finance, and economic & community development.
“This job fair was a way for people to get in tune with the city of Bakersfield,” said Shayla Collins, the Human Resources manager for the Sound of Something Better. “We have fourteen departments, various divisions so they can learn what opportunities are available work-wise. From management down to frontline employees, the people who do the jobs… we’re taking resumes, calling people back, and setting people up with onsite interviews. Right now, we have quite a few vacancies, over 200 ranging from entry-level, all the way up to director positions.”
The Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program attended the job fair and was looking to encourage 16 to 18-year-olds to take advantage of the program’s resources such as paid summer internships, partnerships with non-profits, and pail college-level fellowship opportunities. The company also offers career development services, mentorships, and field trips. The city manager’s office also attended Friday’s job fair.
“The city manager’s office job is to manage all of the departments and divisions that the city manager leads,” said Julie Drimakis, the City Clerk. “We deal with customer service and are in charge of maintaining the city’s history and reporting the legislative actions that happen in Bakersfield.”
Candidates were encouraged to bring their résumés and speak to people from the different booths to see what jobs might pique their interest. This job fair was an excellent way for the city of Bakersfield to recruit new workers and give people new opportunities.