Hundreds of Youths Apply Themselves at Job Fair

Hundreds of youths crowded the San Fernando Recreation Center at Thursday’s first Youth Job Fair.

The fair was aimed at area job seekers 16 to 23 years old, said Art Tellechea, manager of the state’s Employment Development Department office in San Fernando. The event was the first of its kind in the city.

About 50 retailers and agencies handed out employment applications and conducted interviews. Participants included Bath & Body Works, Macy’s, Footlocker, the U.S. Navy and the Los Angeles Police Department.

“The unemployment rate in San Fernando is much higher than in surrounding areas. There is a lot of untapped talent,” said Tellechea, whose office was the main sponsor.

He said many kids need to be pushed to get jobs. “A lot of these kids don’t know how to approach an employer or what to do on an interview. That is why we want to bring the employers to them,” he said.

Alice Gonzales, a Pacoima resident, saw an ad for the fair and decided to drive her 16-year-old son, Gabriel, to the event.

“I think this is great because many kids want to get jobs and this gives them an opportunity to come out and apply for themselves,” she said. “Besides, this keeps them off the streets.”

Valley College student Rose Ledesma, 19, said she attended because she thought it a was good idea to go where several employers were accessible at once.

Laurel Lane, store director for Hollywood Video, said she was busy from the moment the fair opened. Lane said she had seen a few hundred youths interested in applying for a job.

Lane said such job fairs are important because they make it easier for retailers to reach out to the community and screen applicants.

The event was co-sponsored by the city of San Fernando, Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar) and Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla.

“Finding a job is a job for these kids. We’re just trying to help,” said Tellechea.