CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Hundreds of local teens and young adults gathered at TQL Stadium on Saturday for the 19th annual Mayor's Career Expo, seeking to find the right job fit. The event featured a variety of job opportunities, from public sector roles to positions in nonprofits and private companies.
Daniel Betts, Director of Recreation for the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, highlighted the diverse job offerings at the expo.
"We have young people who are signing up to be cadets and firing police and actually end up being police officers and firefighters. So we're very proud of that," said Betts. "We also hire young people to be placed in nonprofits across the city, other public sector jobs, as well as private sector jobs."
(WKRC)
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For many first-time job seekers, the process can be daunting. CincySHRM, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, aims to ease this transition by connecting the largest employers in the Tri-State area with these young individuals. Dan Netter from CincySHRM emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment.
"That would allow for more personal communications to make people not feel so intimidated by finding their job," said Netter. "CincySHRM also has a team of volunteers here today that are walking first-time job seekers around and making introductions to different companies and making them feel comfortable."
Among the attendees was Edith Irvin, who was the first to secure an interview. Following in her mother's footsteps, she aspired to become a lifeguard and has plans for her earnings.
"I really felt like it would be a good opportunity for me to find a place where I can work and get some good money because I've really been hoping to be able to spoil my pets and myself occasionally," said Edith. "I really want to start a Roth IRA so that I can be ready for when I'm older."
Her mother, Chelsea Irvin, expressed pride in her daughter's ambitions and believes lifeguarding will be a valuable experience.
"You really learn how to work together as a team," said Chelsea. "It's a great way to direct your focus on something that you know is important and you go into your job every day feeling very important and like you are going to make a difference."
Betts noted that employment opportunities for teens extend beyond just earning spending money.
"We know the data shows that when young people are employed and working, they're less likely to get involved in activities that we don't want them to get in as adults," said Betts. "So again, this is just an opportunity for us to pay it forward, if we will, and get these young people gainfully employed."
Betts added that the Cincinnati Recreation Commission works to provide employment for teens year-round, not just during the summer months.
