BBCC Job and Career Fair connects job seekers with jobs

MOSES LAKE — More than 1,200 job seekers were expected to come out to Big Bend Community College for its annual Job and Career Fair Thursday.

“(We’ve had) a great turnout, said Mindy McManis, human resources manager for Simplot in Othello. “We have a lot of people from the public. We have college students and even high school students who have attended today … I have, in the first hour or so, talked to a good 50-60 people.”

More than 60 employers were represented, from huge companies like Microsoft and Simplot down to small local businesses, and including government agencies, health care facilities, high-tech companies and more. Tables were set up through the Masto Conference Center at the ATEC building, and out in the halls around. Some employers accepted resumes on the spot; others directed job seekers to a QR code listing available openings.

“We’re very pleased with the turnout,” said BBCC Career Pathways Coordinator Alissa Scriven, who organized this year’s job fair. Putting it together required a small army of volunteer help, she said.

“This event cannot happen without all of the volunteers,” Scriven said. “There is a team of people behind me … I can’t do it without them, so I’m grateful.”

Besides having a recruiting table, Microsoft offered two workshops for job seekers to help them prepare for the workforce. Simplot brought fresh french fries, and Weinstein Beverage supplied water.

“I have everything from hourly entry level positions (to) salaried supervisor positions, some skilled labor positions like electricians, some mechanic positions,” McManis said. “And then I also have some management positions as well.”

Sione Thompson, who was manning the Aerotec table with HR Generalist Ben Montelongo, came full circle through the job fair.

“He was getting his certification for machinist here (a few years ago),” Montelongo said. “He saw our booth here and he applied for the position and eventually got that job.”

It was a good fit, Thompson said, who’s now an airframe and powerplant, or A&P mechanic.

“The nice thing about an engineering company is that we always do something different,” Thompson said. “It’s never the same. Sometimes (the project) will be a part of an airplane wing. Sometimes it’ll be the fuselage, sometimes it will be even the lavatory. So we’ll be working on every part of the aircraft, which is really cool.”

Kasandra Edeza-Rodriguez, who was recruiting for People for People, was enthusiastic about her own work and hoped to bring in others who would be just as happy. People for People, based in Yakima with an office in Moses Lake, was looking for bus and van drivers for fixed routes, door-to-door trips and even school transportation.

“My job is to spread awareness that we’re here for everyone,” Edeza-Rodriguez said. “And also, I get to do travel training, and that’s really cool. If someone has never used our transportation or (Grant Transit Authority) and they want to but they’re a little nervous, I’m like their bus buddy for the day. I make their itinerary and I go with them and teach them the routes. It’s fun. I love my job.”

Edeza-Rodriguez was talking with Jasmine Ruiz, who had been let go from a job on Monday after 13 years with that company.

“I’ve been in customer service for so long, but I’ve done a lot more,” Ruiz said. “In a 13-year career, I’ve developed all kinds of skills: leadership training, coaching. So I’m actually just looking for a career change at that point … and I think this is a good opportunity for me to see what’s now out there.”

    Kasandra Edeza-Rodriguez, left, talks with job seeker Jasmine Ruiz about career opportunities with People for People at the BBCC Job and Career Fair Thursday.
  

    Moses Lake Police Det. Matt Harum, right, chats with Aleajasmine Castro at the BBCC Job and Career Fair. The MLPD was one of several law enforcement agencies recruiting at the fair.
  

    The BBCC Job and Career Fair filled both the Masto Conference Center and the halls around it with employers looking for workers.