WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – For some job seekers, finding employment can be difficult because of past experiences or other barriers.
Workforce Solutions North Texas held a Second Chance Job Fair at Sikes Senter Mall Thursday, bringing together about 50 businesses willing to consider applicants who may face challenges finding work.
Hours before the job fair began, Workforce Solutions North Texas held a pre-event service focused on preparing job seekers for the hiring process.
The services were available to people who have faced injuries, recently lost their jobs, struggled with addiction, served convictions or faced other barriers to employment.
The organization offered interview clothing assistance, professional haircuts, resume printing and workshops focused on interview skills.
“To have your best chance of success, you need to be prepared. How to do an interview, to dress appropriately. Well, this event can be life-changing. I mean, you come out here and you find that second chance opportunity; it could change your whole life,” Tom Ostovich with Workforce Solutions North Texas said.
Bill Vandestreek, who has a conviction on his record, attended the event hoping to find a job that would allow him to support himself and his family while caring for his mother.
“It would mean a lot because I’m having to take care of my mother at the same time. If I can find a job that’s applicable for me and my family, then I will be able to work and take care of the household rather than have to take care of her for full time. It’s a rare opportunity and a great chance for a second start, just like it says,” Vandestreek said.
Ostovich said providing those second chances can benefit not only individuals looking for work, but the entire community.
“Those individuals, it can be difficult because they’ve been used to hearing no a lot when they apply for jobs. So that’s why, here we try to bring all those employers together. All the employers we have here today are willing to hire a second chance. It’s also good for our community, you know, because we want to have more people to work. The more people we have to work, it’s just overall win-win for our community,” Ostovich said.
Officials said about 150 people who attended last year’s event walked away with new jobs.
Workforce Solutions North Texas holds additional events throughout the year. More information can be found here.
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