BENTON TOWNSHIP — A hospitality job fair and talent showcase will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, March 27, at The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center.
Lake Michigan College and Kinexus partnered to organize the event with an aim to promote career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry, and to help meet the increasing demand for employees in restaurants, hotels, wineries, breweries, golf resorts, athletic destinations and other related businesses. The event is timed to give employers a head start on summer hiring, while recruiting for long-term position.
“Employment in the hospitality industry is projected to grow 14.2 percent by 2024, adding an estimated 1,478 jobs to the tri-county area,” ,” said Alex Grumbine, director of business and industry at Kinexus. “To address this need, we are collaborating with employers and educators like Lake Michigan College, to foster a stable community workforce through career ladders to long-term employment within the industry”
Employers will accept resumes, answer questions and conduct on-site interviews. Jobseekers can participate in breakout sessions to explore options for career growth, education and training, and learn how to effectively highlight their skills in a job interview.
Guests can also enjoy demonstrations of employer products and specialty services. Lake Michigan College hospitality and culinary management students will also demonstrate their skills. Admission is free to jobseekers and guests; details are available at lakemichigancollege.edu/career-center.
“It is going to be fun because this event goes way beyond the typical job fair, and we are helping people to develop their long-term, professional careers,” said LMC instructor Chris Woodruff. “Our students are professionally trained, and passionate about giving great service, and we want them to be able to put their skills and talents to work right here at home.”
Up to 60 employer booth spaces are still available for $60 including electricity and $50 without. Information and online reservations are available at lmc-hospitality-fair.eventbrite.com through March 1.
For more information, contact Debbie Gillespie at gillespie@lakemichigancollege.edu or Samantha Gizzi at gizzis@kinexus.org.
Kinexus is a nonprofit organization that invests millions in funding each year in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties through integrated business, workforce, and community development. For more information, visit Kinexus.org and follow them on Twitter @Kinexus-Group and Facebook at facebook.com/KinexusGroup.
Lake Michigan College Career Center offers free services for employers posting job openings, customized training and seeking interns. Jobseeker services include career counseling and evaluations, interviewing skills, job search and resume assistance. Information is available at lakemichigancollege.edu/career-center. LMC’s Mendel Center is located at 2755 E. Napier Ave. in Benton Township.