The Central Vermont Job Fair gets Serious

Well, not too serious. But a bit of belt-tightening and some thoughtful feedback from our regional employers led us to shake up the Central Vermont Job Fair in its 14th year. A longstanding partnership between CVEDC, Hireability, and Vermont Department of Labor, our partners in job fair-ing were open minded to attempting a smaller, less expensive, and more targeted approach this year.

While the fair had grown to include nearly 100 exhibitors in recent days, attendance by job seekers was waning and employers were feeling added pressure of the many workforce concerns impacting our region. We moved the location to the walkable and inviting Old Labor Hall and helped 25 employers curate their approach to hiring.

Our formal data report will follow but the early feedback was incredible. We saw greater attendance than in recent years past despite the smaller venue and smaller number of employers, and engagement was up! We also were excited to see school and other group visits arranged by our partners in job seeker resources.

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the 14th Annual Central Vermont Job Fair, especially to our sponsors Northfield Savings Bank and Community National Bank, and to our (patient) restaurant partners Two Loco Guys and Morse Block Deli, who made sure everyone involved got a fantastic lunch.