By Sadef Ali Kully
Hundreds of job seekers searched the 72 vendors at Tolentine Hall at the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Jamaica at a career fair last week Thursday hosted and sponsored by elected officials and community leaders in Queens.
The employment opportunities were part-time and full-time jobs, as well as apprentice positions, including paid internships. More than 50 private-sector companies and over 20 public-sector agencies represented themselves at the Feb. 19 job fair.
“We are delighted to host a community job fair that will strengthen our economy, boost local business development and connect workers with over 70 employers that are offering jobs with livable wages so that all New Yorkers are able to provide a better quality of life for their families,” said Celia Dosamantes, executive director of the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group, which was a prime sponsor of the event with state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Hollis).
The job fair was open to job seekers of all ages, experience levels and backgrounds, according to BAAG.
“I have been looking for a job since I graduated in December,” said John Cheng, 26, from Fresh Meadows, who has been freelancing on projects while searching for permanent work. “I have degrees in accounting and computer science, so I am looking for jobs in forensic accounting or city finance.”
According to the New York State Department of Labor, the city’s total unemployment rate fell to 5.8 percent at the end of 2014, which is the lowest rate in six years.
“Opportunities like these continue to allow our growing, hardworking community of Jamaica to thrive and help those who need it get back on their feet,” said Sen. Comrie (D-Hollis), who was not able to personally attend due to the death of his mother, but he had representatives at the church.
The event was also supported by state Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Flushing) and City Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest).
“Increasing opportunity for employment is our top priority in government,” Lancman said. “I am hopeful it will help people climb the ladder to the middle class.”
Rozic added, “Workforce development has long been a priority of mine and I will continue collaborating with city and state agencies on innovative ways that will build a more vibrant Queens.”
In addition to the job fair, a seminar section sponsored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, New York State Department of Labor, Chhaya Community Development Corporation, Urban Upbound and Queens Workforce1 Career Center provided participants with free resume, cover letter, job interview preparation and language assistance in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Bengali and Korean.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
