Hundreds attend job fair in Ashwaubenon

ASHWAUBENON - Thousands of job seekers crammed into Shopko Hall in Ashwaubenon Wednesday for the area's first Bay Area Career Expo.

Job seekers were asked to come prepared for the thousands of employment opportunities available.

A steady stream of people filed into Shopko Hall.

Mike McAuly drove from Fond du Lac.

“I'm here to look at great organizations, and see if I can match my skills with their company, and find a job,” he said.

The former human resources manager says he was downsized five years ago.

“I'm working in retail, but I need something more substantial,” said McAuly.

The Department of Workforce Development organized the Bay Area Expo. More than 2,000 candidates were prescreened.

“It gives the job seekers an empowered, enhanced work search experience. Because they've been counseled, they've been prepped, and they know what these specific requirements and expectations of the employer, that will be in front of them,” said Department of Workforce Development secretary Reggie Newson.

There were more than 100 employers with approximately 1,300 jobs.

Lakeside Foods was hiring four mechanics at about $16 an hour.

“We find better applicants and more qualified applicants, and more people that are, know what we are looking for,” said Shannon Sutton, Lakeside Foods human resources manager.

Tradesmen International is a construction labor support company. Jobs range from $10-23 an hour.

“Bring a resume tailored to hey, this is my skills, you have this position on the Job Center homepage, I'm a fit for your company. I match up,” said Eric Heuvelman with Tradesmen International.

An hour into the expo, McAuly had some leads.

“I've talked to a couple universities, colleges, looking for an adjunct professor,” said McAuly.

But he says no offers yet.

“I brought 35 resumes, so I may be here all day.”

The DWD says it will hold more events like this in the future.