Essex, Vt. Commissioner Michael Harrington Speaks alongside Governor Phil Scott at Vermont's Largest Career Fair:
"Thank you, Governor, and good afternoon, everyone.
I’d like to thank Richard Wobby and his team at AGC for hosting this fantastic event for the second year in a row.
Last year, when we first started working with AGC, Richard’s vision was to have the “Super Bowl of Jobs Fairs.” In reality, it’s more like the “Daytona 500 of Job Fairs, because this is one of the first hiring events of the season… it’s certainly the biggest event… and a great way to kick off the summer.
Over the next few months, the Vermont Department of Labor, in partnerships across the state, will host hiring events in every region - helping to bring together employers, training providers and other services that can serve as that important first connection that leads to a new and exciting career for hundreds of jobseekers.
That is why we’re so proud to be a supporting partner here today. What you’re seeing is a concerted and honest effort on behalf of employers to get themselves in front of prospective employees, whether it be adults looking for a job change or students exploring career opportunities.
This approach is a bit of a shift – due in large part to the workforce challenges we’ve been experiencing over the last few years. Employers and trade associations have become increasingly creative in how they approach recruitment and retention… and are excited to engage in events like this one… that bring them face-to-face with potential employees.
We all know that there are thousands of open jobs with good pay and benefits with great companies right here in Vermont. All we need to do now is link those employers with the right talent.
As of this morning there were over 11,000 Vermont jobs posted in VermontJobLink.com alone and we know that there are likely thousands more out there that never get posted.
We also know that, particularly in construction and contracting, there are incredible opportunities for folks to build a great career. The average wage of someone working in the trades is nearly $60,000 a year and is expected to grow year over year.
And the need isn’t going to go away...
As the summer nears, many of us are starting to make our to do list around the house… Need to repair the roof from winter damage… Time to start building that new deck… Need to install a heat pump… or maybe put in a new pool or hot tub….
If that’s you, I suggest you get on the phone today, because we all know how busy contractors, electricians, plumbers, carpenters are… and how few there are to go around.
Now, swinging a hammer or running an excavator isn’t for everyone, but if you take a moment to walk around the floor today, you’ll notice that the employers here at this event cover a lot of different occupations… And every business needs financial experts, administrative professionals, human resource managers, sales and marketing specialist, architects, engineers, mechanics, instructors, and the list goes on.
Today is a great example of how all of us working together can help bridge the gap between job and jobseeker, so we can grow Vermont’s workforce today and for generations to come.
As always, the Vermont Department of Labor is here to assist, whether it be with logistical support, outreach and promotion, developing a new industry recognized credential, or funding from our Workforce Development Division to get the ball rolling… Which we were able to do with this event today. Whatever the need is, the Department is here to help.
So, if you’re a business looking to hire or a jobseeker on the hunt, be sure to visit VERMONTJOBLINK.com today.
But… just as important as filling these jobs, is ensuring that students and other soon to be professionals, of whatever industry or sector, have the exposure to these careers early on, whether it be through career and technical education, internships, apprenticeships, or other work-based learning and training opportunities, career awareness is absolutely critical to growing Vermont’s economy.
And thank you again to AGC and all of the employers and partners here today… as well as the jobseekers… for your commitment to Vermont’s future!"
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