More than two dozen employers with more than a thousand open jobs will be in attendance at the Centralia Regional Career Expo on Friday and Saturday. The event will also feature information on various services to assist job seekers such as training, daycare, and social services.
Among the major sponsors is the Swan Corporation where Human Resource Specialist Jessica Carlton says they are looking to grow the plant from the current 180 employees to 230 to 240.
“Currently we are adding a new press so we have a lot of new production coming in. A lot of growth. Looking to hire another 33 more people with this new press we are bringing in. Hopefully next month we will have that going. In addition to molding and press or shop floor type jobs, we also have a packing positions available so addition to manufacturing will also distribute our products from the plant. We also have logistics here and a customer call care center.”
Carlton says jobs in the call center, as well as specialty positions such as a lab chemist, are available.
The President of Life Star Ambulance Roger Campbell says they have signed on as a major sponsor to get the word out about a paid training program they are offering to get badly needed employees into the EMT profession.
“We have developed between our company and some others a project now that we can talk to anyone about that we call Earn to Learn. If someone wants to get in on the ground floor, we will actually pay them to go to school and then offer them a job. We will be accepting up to 25 people for our part.”
Campbell hopes those interested in the medical profession will stop by his booth for more information.
The company is also offering bonuses for trained paramedics to sign on. He notes EMTs and Paramedics is one field where you do not need to worry about layoffs. An ambulance will also be available to view.
The Centralia Regional Career Expo is from one to six on Friday and ten to two on Saturday at Castle Ridge. Those attending will receive passes to attend that night’s entertainment at Castle Ridge. Those preregistering at www.centralia.works will be eligible to win a laptop computer if they then attend the event.
