Teen jobseekers can connect with 50+ vendors at Boys & Girls Club job fair

By Patrick Lynn

The Boys & Girls Club this week will highlight a new program to bolster workforce preparedness for the future leaders of Portage Co.

The program, YouthForce, is kicking off with its Summer Job Fair and Career Showcase on May 4. The event is open to all but is targeted at teenagers, and younger children are encouraged to attend and learn about the local job scene.

According to Kevin Quevillon, executive director of the local BGC, local employers are reaching out during the career fair to ensure area preteens and teenagers are “as prepared as possible” to enter the workforce upon high school graduation.

YouthForce programming is being developed and offered for all age groups served at the Club. Career exploration activities are offered to younger children, while junior high students are provided mentoring in the Club’s Junior Staff Program.

For high school students, Quevillon said the program offers mentoring, coaching, and job placement services are offered to high school students. College students who work at the Club are provided professional development opportunities are offered.

“Our YouthForce program is like a job center for youth and teens,” he said.

To keep the career fair engaging, employer stations will go beyond the typical distribution of educational and career materials. Employers will also offer on-the-spot interviews for summer positions and some fun activities for a chance to win prizes.

The BGC will also offer a virtual reality experience of more than 20 different careers for attendees with Transfr VR headsets.

Jeremy Higgins, the BGC’s workforce development coordinator, said over 50 employers have already confirmed their appearance at the career fair, with up to 10 more possibly attending, as well. Confirmed companies so far include Sentry Insurance, Gamber-Johnson, Waupaca Foundry, Forward Service Corps, Women in Trucking, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Worzalla Publishing, Stevens Point YMCA,  Stevens Point Police Department, the Stevens Point Parks & Recreation Department, Festival Foods,  Team Schierl Companies, the U.S. Army, Point Precision, Taco Bell, TransfrVR, Rockman’s Catering,  Fleet Farm, Firehouse Subs, and NRG Media.

The job fair will be held from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Berard Center, 941 Michigan Ave. Food and beverages will be available onsite. Admission is free.