at capacity. The first event held in the new Goodwill Milgard Opportunity Center was geared towards youth who were looking for work. The event was a success, gathering over 500 attendants on Oct. 28. (Photo by dawn quinn)
On Oct. 28, Tacoma Goodwill’s new Milgard Work Opportunity Center held its first event in the Resources for Education and Career Help (REACH) portion of the building - a job fair targeting youth ages 16-24 who are either still in high school, in college or looking for work.
Young adults lined up in the entranceway of the new building (which opened up officially in September of this year) to sign in and take their chances with meeting potential new employers.
The new building has four floors, 63,000 square feet, and the reason that it exists is for events like the youth job fair, said Matthew Erlich, media relations manager for Tacoma Goodwill Industries.
“Goodwill wanted a one-stop place for youth to get jobs, and so they partnered with REACH, which is a separate entity and organization. We want to hold job fairs, and give opportunities for young adults to connect with career and educational opportunities. It’s very exciting to see something like this going on…employers coming in during these economic times shows young adults that there’s a future.”
Ryveal Hill has been a student at Tacoma Community College (TCC) for two semesters and was at the event with her sister Tatianna McKee, a 10th grader at Center School in Seattle, to try and find a new job no matter what the field.
“I’ve applied at the (Emerald Queen) Casino and the Dollar Tree so far. It doesn’t matter what type of job, I just want to gain experience for my career. Right now I have a job at K-mart that I’ve had for over a year, but I want something more related to my field,” Hill said.
The event had a variety of employers in attendance so that youth could get a feel for the wide range of jobs they could potentially have one day. Representatives from employers such as Commercial Driving Services, Exotic Metals, Marshalls, Menzies Aviation, Pre-Paid Legal Services, Mary Kay, TCC, Job Corps and Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department were available for students and young adults to talk to, ask questions of and possibly interview with on the spot.
“I’m looking for part-time work,” said Sarah Kyewayogera, a 10th grader at Lincoln High School.
“I’m studying accounting and want to be an accountant. I want to go to UW if I get a chance and if I have the money. I’m hopeful I will find a job today.”
The rough job market and overall interest in the event due to word of mouth resulted in the youth job fair achieving attendance that successfully exceeded the planners’ expectations. “In all, attendance at the REACH opening exceeded 500 people,” Erlich said.
For more information about services offered through the new REACH program, call (253) 573-6590 or visit reachtacoma.org.
