There may be nothing more depressing for people who have been out of work for some time than to attend a cattle-call style job fair. Racine County looks to change that atmosphere with two job fair events that will feel more like block parties.

Two upcoming events will include a family-friendly and a chance to interview for jobs, and possibly get hired on the spot.

Racine County and its partners will host job fests Aug. 17 (Friday) and Aug. 31. The event on Friday will be at Knapp Elementary School, 2701 17th St. The second will be held Aug. 31, also a Friday, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1134 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Both events will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The job fests will feature companies from a number of sectors, including manufacturing, food products, and nonprofit. Some employers will interview and hire instantly, while others will schedule an interview for a later date.

“These upcoming job fests are not your typical summer block parties — they offer a real opportunity for family-sustaining jobs,” said Melvin Hargrove, project manager for Racine County’s Uplift 900 employment initiative. “The job fests have all the family-oriented fun of street festivals, as well as information residents need to access better-paying positions.”

In addition to employers and training positions, staff from Racine County Workforce Solutions are scheduled to be available to provide information on county programs and resources such as driver’s license recovery, GED/high school diploma programs and resume assistance. Job training providers will also be on hand.

“The job fests are another way to reach people where they are and help position Racine County residents for family-sustaining employment,” said County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, who hosted employment-related town hall meetings in Racine neighborhoods earlier this summer. “With so many exciting opportunities on the horizon in Racine County, we don’t want anyone to be left behind.”

For more information visit the Uplift 9000 website, or contact Melvin Hargrove at 262-638-6551.

About Uplift 9000

According to Racine County:

Uplift 900 offers no-cost training, support services and connections to the jobs of tomorrow. Engaging and uplifting the community one person at a time.
Over the next few years, thousands of jobs in the fields of construction, manufacturing, logistics and transportation will be available in Racine County.
Workers can make $37,000 + a year within 2 years and $60,000 + a year within 5 years!

Uplift 900 will help jobseekers get ready by providing: