(DeKalb County, October 9, 2018) – – Job seekers hoping to find a new job, a better job, or perhaps a different career path discovered a wealth of exciting opportunities on Friday, October 5, 2018 at the Regional Job Fair hosted by Georgia Piedmont Technical College, in partnership with Congressman Jody Hice and the economic development offices of Newton, Morgan, Rockdale, Walton, Jasper, and Greene counties. Representatives from many sectors, including manufacturing, film production, industrial, pharmaceutical, and public safety met with over 1,100 job candidates to discuss current and future opportunities.
“The Regional Job Fair that was held at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s Newton campus was phenomenal. Hosting the fair is a crucial part of the college’s commitment to help strengthen the local economy,” said Dr. Tavarez Holston, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “The companies and organizations offered excellent job opportunities, great benefits, and in many cases, on-the-job-training. The career fair serves as a conduit for bringing hiring entities and local talent together under one roof. In fact, several businesses and organizations were able to recruit qualified applicants on the spot!” he exclaimed. “I especially thank Congressman Jody Hice and his staff for organizing and promoting the fair. I also appreciate staff members from the economic development offices of Walton, Newton, Jasper, Morgan, Rockdale and Greene counties, as well as volunteers from Georgia Piedmont, for their assistance in making this second annual event a resounding success,” Dr. Holston concluded.
In addition to hosting the job fair, the college offered free workshops throughout the day on topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, dressing for success, and goal setting. By presenting workshops onsite, Georgia Piedmont helped prepare candidates to secure interviews and career opportunities.
“Building on last year’s success, the sheer number of people who participated and the way that our community came together simply blew me away. With hundreds of participants this year, my expectations have been surpassed yet again, and it is incredibly heartening to see so many people hired on the spot,” said Congressman Hice. “I’m proud to see that Georgia is brimming with opportunity, and this event is just another example of the growth and prosperity sweeping our nation. I could not be more grateful to the economic development offices of Walton, Newton, Rockdale, Jasper, Morgan, and Greene counties, as well as Georgia Piedmont Technical College, for not only making last week’s event possible, but a ringing success,” Hice stated.
Bulldog Steel Fabrication, Golden State Foods, Walmart Supply Chain, Shire Pharmaceutical, Michelin, Facebook NC Data Center, Three Ring Studios, General Mills, and Southern Staffing Services were among the private-sector employers recruiting for openings. Representatives from several government entities, such as the City of Covington Police Department, Newton County Fire Services, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newton County Board of Commissioners also were on hand to speak with candidates.
“The 2018 Job Fair has been greater than anyone’s expectations! With more to offer such as the continuing education workshops, relocation support table and opportunities to network within spotlight rooms and private interview rooms – this has truly been a successful event,” said Serra Hall, senior project manager with the Newton County Office of Economic Development. “It is always the goal to provide outstanding support to our community through training, job opportunities and mentorship – this event has raised the bar once again. We could not have a stellar event without our partners at Georgia Piedmont Technical College – Newton Campus and Congressman Jody Hice,” Hall said. “The focus and comradery for the betterment of our citizens is exciting and appreciated. We are always proud to be from Covington/Newton County and we are even more proud to offer a chance for a job in a wonderful location east of Atlanta with our regional friends,” stated Hall.
Vendors and attendees alike praised the efforts of the event’s organizers. April Tate, a recruiter with Express Employment Professionals in Covington, said, “We had an excellent turnout; lots of resumes on deck. The students who came in were excellent, displayed professionalism, and had resumes handy. Even among the adults who attended, the response was tremendous,” she exclaimed.
“I’m looking for new job opportunities,” said William Brown, a Covington resident. “I saw the ad for the job fair today and I made coming here a priority just as soon as I got off work,” Brown stated.