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A recent job fair in Athens gave veterans and their spouses the chance to meet with regional employers and learn about educational opportunities and services available to them.
The Job, Career and Information Fair was held on Nov. 18 by the Area 14 One Stop Workforce Development Centers of Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Perry and Vinton counties. More than 50 veterans attended the five-county event, and several explained how the country’s economic problems are making life tough for them.
One man whose work is related to the construction industry said that the economic downturn led to his hours and pay being cut.
He was also laid off for a short time after Christmas last year because there was not any work for him at his job. He was able to do part-time work for the U.S. Census Bureau until he got called back, but now he is worried about being laid off again. He is also concerned about paying for Christmas expenses.
He has worked at his current job for several years and enjoys it, but he is being forced to look for a job with a steadier paycheck. He has not had much luck so far, but said there were several potential job opportunities that he heard about at the job fair, and he is hopeful that something will turn up.
Another man explained that he has been able to get by with the income he brings in from his small farm. However, he is planning to get married soon and knows that his income will not be enough to support him and his wife. He is looking for a job, just about any job, in order to bring in more money so that he can afford to be married.
It’s tough right now to find jobs in southeast Ohio, though, and he is not sure what he will do.
Some veterans said they had heard from people in the military who are staying in the service because they don’t think they will be able to find a civilian job that pays well.
Several individuals at the job fair, though, said they were pleased with the contacts they made during the event, and were hopeful they would have some new work opportunities soon.
November is Hire a Veteran Month in Ohio, and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland is encouraging employers to consider hiring veterans for open positions.
“Military service instills in veterans a respect for authority, ability to follow instruction and an acute understanding of leading in adversity, all qualities civilian employers seek in a job candidate,” said Strickland in the proclamation declaring November as Hire a Veteran Month.
Veterans and all area residents are able to receive assistance with their employment searches at The Work Station in The Plains. The Work Station professionals are able to help clients put together resumes, prepare for interviews, find jobs they want to apply for and take other steps needed to get a job. All of these services are free.
In addition, Veterans Representative Ed Allshouse is at The Work Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help veterans with their employment and training needs.
For more information, call The Work Station at 797-1405 or toll-free at 1-877-351-0405.