COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS : Employment Fair Attracts 1,000

Tough economic times and dozens of job openings lured nearly 1,000 students and job-seekers to a job fair at College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita last week.

Nearly 50 employers, from clothing stores to local government, offered paramedic, law enforcement and even cartoonist jobs, with interviews scheduled for a later date.

College officials estimated that nearly one out of three job-seekers at the fair were non-students, a fact they said illustrated the impact the recession has had on Southern California. For students, this means more competition for available jobs.

“Because of the general economic situation, it’s just as hard for students to find a job as it is for the general population. The more education and skill development they have, the better chance they have to get a job,” said Rachel Brown, an employment program representative with the state Employment Development Department.

Students and employers agreed.

“It’s real hard,” said Shannon Moon, 18, an out-of-work freshman. “Before, I could go to the first place I applied and get a job. Now, I must have filled out 20 applications in two weeks to get a job.”

Even the U. S. Marine Corps was seeking fewer recruits than in previous years. “It’s getting tougher out there,” said U. S. Marine Lance Cpl. Steve Cole. “We’ve cut down on the number of people we’re letting in. You basically have to have a college education to get in.”

Because of the limited short-term employment prospects and the increased competition, Moon and other students scanned the job fair for future career opportunities, hoping that their educations will give them an edge in the years ahead.

“I’m not going to deliver ribs all my life,” said Brian Zinni, 19, a freshman who works for a Northridge eatery. “I’m going to get into health-care services if I can.”

Some students, like 35-year-old Lois Threlkeld, who attends both College of the Canyons and Cal State Northridge, were planning for the future with a vengeance.

“I came specifically to talk to the city of Santa Clarita to look for work. I want to be President, so I thought this would be a good step,” she said.