Ready to work: Job fair draws hundreds amid Memphis-area layoffs

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Hundreds of job seekers turned out Wednesday for a career expo at Southwest Tennessee Community College, as Shelby County has lost more jobs this year than any other county in Tennessee.

The Rise and Rebuild Regional Career Expo drew large crowds, with 50 employers offering interviews onsite.

Long lines at opening

Mance Aytchan, business service manager for the Greater Memphis Workforce Development Board, said long lines formed; people were already waiting when the event started.

“This morning when we opened at 10 a.m., there were about 400 to 500 people already waiting,” Aytchan said, “which means they were absolutely interested. There is a need.”

Job seekers describe the search

Robert J. Williams said finding new work has been difficult but necessary to support his family.

“I do hair, I do barber locks and color, but I wanted to do, or find, something extra because my son is getting older and he’s in my pockets a little bit more,” Williams said…

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS