Job fair gives youths a taste of what's out there
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

FILE PHOTO HEAD HUNTING- A student turns in an application to a Regal Cinemas employer during a past Youth Employment Service Job and Career Fair at the Simi Valley Boys & Girls Club.

The Youth Employment Services Advisory Board is organizing its 22nd job fair this Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley.

Samantha Argabrite, youth council coordinator, said 25 businesses will set up booths seeking to attract young people ages 16 to 22 looking for parttime or summer jobs.

"I think it's very important. You get a chance to see all of the businesses at one time," said Youth Employment Services secretary Meghan Allen, a 17year-old senior at Simi Valley High School.

"A lot of youth have a narrow mind-set that they'll only get a job at fast food. This job fair kind of opens up their eyes and lets them see different opportunities," she said.

The job fair may also provide a stepping stone for those who want to enter the work force immediately after high school.

"Some students don't want to go to college, and that's fine- it's not for everyone," said Meghan, who found a holiday job at Best Buy through Youth Employment Services. "They can get started on a career path early."

Employers who cannot attend Saturday's job and career fair provide applications for job seekers.

Last year, more than 50 businesses offered applications in the job bank.

Workshops designed to help students fill out applications and hone their interview skills will also be available.

Some of the businesses expected to have representatives at the fair on Saturday include Mervyn's, Andrew's International (a security company based in Burbank with positions available in Simi Valley), Verizon Wireless, McDonald's, CFS Tax Software, Regal Cinema, Ventura County Credit Union and Jersey Mike's Subs.

United States Armed Forces, including the Marines, the Navy and the Army, will also have booths, as will multiple summer day camps.

The pipe fitters union will also present a workshop.

"(The pipe fitters) are going to look at students who don't want to go to college but want to learn about field labor and apprenticeships," Argabrite said. "They will talk about how to learn a trade while going to school and getting paid."

Bruce Yi, teen and outreach director at the Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley, said many local businesses are open to the idea of hiring young employees just entering the work force.

"With youth that don't have experience in the job fields, most employers don't see that as a disadvantage. For the most part, employers are willing to train, educate and give necessary tools for the youth that are hired," Yi said.

Yi said it's important for young employees to come into a job with the right mindset and expectations.

"I think some youth come in without the right skills as far as work ethic and the right attitude," he said. "But the misconception in their mind is, 'I have no experience. I'm not qualified to have this job.' I think it really comes down to attitude. If they're willing to learn and work hard, they can maintain their job.

"When I do my hiring, I look for experience as well as references, what their attitude is like, if they interview well and if they present themselves well. Having a good attitude definitely contributes if they can be hired."

In the last month, Argabrite talked with sophomores at Simi Valley, Royal and Santa Susana high schools about how to improve their job skills.

She said many employers keep coming back for the chance to hire younger workers.

"The feedback I get is that they like hiring someone who hasn't worked before because they are giving young people an opportunity," she said, "and they're very trainable and willing to be taught."

For more information, call Argabrite at (805) 522-4473.