Email   Print   Share By Erin Rogers, Sentinel Leisure Editor

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Shikira Sutherland looks over an application for a representative employer at the youth job fair held June 6 at Club Hood. Erin Rogers, Sentinel Leisure Editor

Angel Jasso and fellow job seekers talk to the Subway representatives and recruiters at the youth job fair held June 6 at Club Hood. Erin Rogers, Sentinel Leisure Editor

Sonia Videro, human resources recuiter for GC Services, LP, talks to Mark Bullock, current Central Texas Community College student, about the employment opportunities offered by GC Services, at the youth job fair held June 6 at Club Hood. Erin Rogers, Sentinel Leisure Editor

By Erin Rogers

Sentinel Staff



Job-seeking youth ages 13-22, including college students, attended the “Sky is the Limit” CareerLaunch and job fair June 6 afternoon at Club Hood.

Employers looking for employees in customer service, data entry, retail sales, warehouse and more came out to talk to the students about job opportunities at the job fair.

Before the start of the job fair, students went through a series of workshops and classes that covered information they would need to know while exploring the job market. The pre-interview activities workshop informed the youth on things like what a resume and an application should include, how to dress for an interview, what to bring to an interview and other interviewing skills.

The classes also gave students a chance to ask any questions they may have had about scholarships, setting realistic goals and other career assessments.

“The CareerLaunch is designed to prepare and teach,” Teresa Shipman, Army community services, said. “They need to be aware of the types of things resumes and applications need to include. The mock interviews and the chance to explore their interests in different career fields gives them a good idea of where to start.”

Shipman said their goal is to bring all of these different employers to one location to inform young adults on what it is like in the job market today, and that this is an excellent way for them to begin networking.

This is the 18th year that the youth job fair has taken place. Shipman said that since the first year, employment security placement percentage has stayed above 45 percent for part-time, full-time or seasonal employment.

“Our employers are all very dedicated to this program,” Shipman said.

Before the job fair began, all present employers received a certificate of appreciation for their dedication to Fort Hood’s youth. Employers had their stations clearly marked for the age-appropriate groups, while young adults explored their interests and options.

Angel Jasso, an incoming senior at Shoemaker High School, said this opportunity was great because he wanted to be able to walk away from the job fair confident that he had a foundation set up for himself.

“I came here to find a job and learn more about how to get one, and so far it’s working,” Jasso said.

Erica Buckley, an employer representing the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, was looking for a different demographic than high school students. Because many military spouses are very young, she said the youth job fair is a great place to spread the word about the organization she was representing.

“We partner with a broad spectrum of employers that are well-known and present everywhere you go,” Buckley said. “As a military spouse, I know what it’s like to have to pick up and move with your Soldier, leave your job and have to start over when you get there.”

There were many employers present from Subway, to all of the military branches with a goal of creating opportunities for all youth ages.

“Our goal of introducing these young adults to employers to get a start is fulfilled every year, and we are very happy with the help it gives to these people,” Shipman said. “Today, the job market is not an easy one, and opportunities like this are significant in these young adults’ lives.”