Madera County holds job fair as unemployment rate dips

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The unemployment rate has dipped just below 10-percent in Madera County.

A line of job seekers filled the outside of Hatfield Hall more than a few hours before the start of the Madera County job fair. All came with a goal to get a job.

"I think the first impression is what really counts. They get to know you and see you. I think they will probably keep you in their mind," said Cecil Anguinao, job seeker.

When doors opened at 10 a.m., job seekers flooded the room to try and meet one on one with their future bosses. Yvonne Dusan is retired but looking to get back into the working field.

"It's a great opportunity to find a job, and meet people, and network, and get connected."

More than 70 companies were on hand for the event from health care to farming to manufacturing.

Madera County workforce hosted the job fair and says they are seeing a positive trend.

"There definitely is a need. We have seen an increase in the number of positions that are open, and it is a challenge to find a number of job seekers, qualified job seekers, they are looking for to fill that positions," said Maiknue Vang, Madera County Workforce Investment program supervisor.

One of those companies is JBT Food Tech of Madera which manufactures machinery that cans and sterilizes food.

"It is hard to find great welders, great machinists, especially in this day and age as it's becoming part of an aging workforce. We're really struggling to find skilled trades," said Shannon Ledbetter, JBT Food Tech.

Ledbetter said she had a positive experience at the fair and said it's possible these candidates could fill one of their open positions.

"Several engineering positions, as well as some manufacturing positions. We do have a manufacturing apprenticeship program which we're looking to hire 10 positions for."

In total, more than 700 people came out to the event.

If you missed out on the job fair, officials said you can reach out to the Madera County Workforce Center to find a new job or career.