TEMECULA: Youth Job Expo makes a comeback Saturday

Job seekers ages 16 to 22 invited to attend, find job

By NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer | Thursday, October 2, 2008 3:10 PM PDT ∞

TEMECULA ---- Sleeping in isn't an option for young job seekers this Saturday.

Representatives of more than 50 business will be on hand at The Temecula Youth Employment Expo, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Mt. San Jacinto College Temecula Education Complex on Enterprise Circle West.

Southwest County youths from age 16 to 22 can get some help finding work by attending the free event.

"In this economy, jobs are far and few between and this will be a great opportunity for young people," said Temecula Assistant City Manager Aaron Adams. "I'd encourage anyone between the ages of 16 to 22 to come out. It will be well worth their time."

Moriah Smith, 22, of Murrieta, said that while she has a job, she would like to find employment that pays more than minimum wage ---- which is what she earns.

But she desires more than a bigger paycheck.

"It would be cool to have job opportunities that are a little more meaningful, instead of just working at the mall," she said, citing nonprofit work, such as working at a women's shelter or helping others. "But those are often unpaid positions."

While she would like to upgrade her job, she knows that competition is fierce because many people her age or younger are looking for work. She also sees a paradox in the local job culture.

"I don't think this area is targeted to young people," she said. "It seems like most businesses don't want to hire you if you're young, but those jobs don't pay a lot to attract older employees. What do you do?"

Approximately 50 employers will be at the event to share information about career opportunities, and a few will be accepting applications for part-time and seasonal jobs, organizers said.

"We're hoping to be able to capture some of those opportunities for holiday jobs," said Cornnia Coram, chairwoman of the organizing committee.

The businesses at the expo also will share information on how young people can prepare for and pursue careers in various fields such as automotive, biomedical, cosmetology, engineering, government, health care, tourism, law enforcement, manufacturing and the military.

Also, 24 workshops will teach youths how to: enhance job search skills, refine applications, prepare for an interview and make a favorable first impression, as well as the basics of customer service, financial literacy and how to start a business, Coram said.

Those who attend the workshops and participate in the expo will receive a Career Preparation Certificate of Achievement. City officials said a copy of the certificate can be attached to job applications or resumes to distinguish the applicant.

"This was designed in an effort to provide kids with something to make them stand out in a pile of applications. When you are 16 and 18, you don't have a lot to fill up your resume with," Adams said. "This is a credible document signed by the mayor and the school board."

When the inaugural youth expo was rolled out this spring, organizers expected between 300 and 400 young people. When they opened the doors, an estimated 1,500 people arrived.

"I was pretty impressed, overall, with the population that came in," Adams recalled. "There were some people in suits and ties with briefcases, while some looked like they rolled out of bed. But to their credit, everyone was well-behaved and serious."

The expo is one of the outcomes of a partnership among Temecula, the Riverside County Office of Education, Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Temecula Valley Unified School District and Workforce Development Agency to enhance employment opportunities for Southwest County youths.

Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951)676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.

The Temecula Youth Employment Expo

-- When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

-- Where: Mt. San Jacinto College Temecula Education Complex, 27447 Enterprise Circle West in Temecula.

-- Directions: From Interstate 15 take Winchester Road west to Enterprise Circle South. Enterprise Circle South turns into Enterprise Circle West. The building is on the right side.

-- Cost: Free

First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.