40 Employers Expected at Job Fair Targeting Youth

More than 40 area employers will be recruiting at a youth job fair Thursday at the San Fernando Recreation Park.

Although the fair will target those 16 to 23, it is open to everyone, said Norma Gallegos, an employment program representative with the state Employment Development Office in San Fernando, which is co-sponsoring the event.

The fair is also being sponsored by Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar), Los Angeles Councilman Alex Padilla and the city of San Fernando.

“We hope to give them advice about our youth program, our workshops, interviewing skills, resume preparation,” Gallegos said. “They don’t have to have resumes. We understand many don’t have experience and would not know what to put on a resume.”

Gallegos said there are many job opportunities for young people.

“We have so many employers in the area opening in new locations,” said Gallegos.

She said retail stores, grocery chains, temporary employment agencies, restaurants and security guard companies will be among the recruiting companies.

Gallegos said the fair will offer young people another avenue for jobs.

“We have come across many young kids who have never attended a job fair,” she said. “Often they will just go to the mall and check if there’s a sign.”

Cardenas said planners hope to make the fair an annual event.

“I think this is something the youth will look forward to every year. It’s an opportunity for them to market themselves,” Cardenas said.

“It’s important they have the opportunity to work and earn money for them and their families.”

The fair, which is free, is from 3 to 7 p.m. at the park’s recreation center at 208 Park Ave. in San Fernando.

For more information, call the Employment Development Department, (818) 898-4136 or (818) 898-4142.