Looking for Work


By Becca Balint
Publishing in the Brattleboro Reformer, Nov. 4
http://www.reformer.com/opinion/ci_26858046/looking-work

Nearly a decade ago, when my spouse accepted a clerkship with a federal judge, we packed up and moved across the county. Excited for her and up for an adventure, I gamely set about finding another job in our new locale. It didn’t take long for my spirited optimism to wane; it’s hard to look for work month after month and not feel deflated.

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For these area workers — and the hundreds more like them — I’m excited that the 2nd annual Career Expo and Job Fair will take place in the Brattleboro Union High School gymnasium on Monday, Nov. 10. The general public is invited to attend between 2 to 6 pm; a special noon hour block will be open exclusively to Windham County high school students. Coordinated by the Windham Workforce Investment Board and sponsored by many area businesses, schools and non-profits, the Expo aims to serve both new workers just starting out in the labor market and experienced professionals seeking to figure out next steps in their careers.

Although many businesses will certainly recruit workers at the Expo, David Altstadt — coordinator of the Workforce Investment Board — wants to highlight that “the Career Expo is about exploring new possibilities, making new connections, and charting out the next steps of your career path.” This is a great opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers from the tri-state area and get your foot in the door. Facilitating the match between what local businesses need and the skills our workers have is a complex problem that requires well-planned, long-term solutions. But the Career Expo is a great place to begin those conversations.

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