100s Attend Job Fair At RCC

From the Office of State Sen. David Carlucci: Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester) joined representatives with Rockland Community College (RCC) and Rockland County kicked off the 20th annual RCC Job Fair at the Eugene Levy Fieldhouse on Tuesday.

More than 700 perspective job applicants and more than 100 employers attended the event. The job fair aiming to reduce unemployment and help residents find meaningful work.

The New York State Department of Labor reported the Hudson Valley has seen an increase in private sector jobs since February of 2017. Also unemployment stands at 4.2 percent, lower than the state's 4.8 percent average. Sen. Carlucci has hosted the Job Fair for years and believes with events like it, Rockland County can lower its unemployment rate further.

“Residents need to have fair paying jobs in order to support and provide for their families. The Job Fair connects people in Rockland County with local opportunities that will bolster our economy,” said Sen. Carlucci.

Sen. Carlucci added, “It was fitting that the Job Fair was held on Equal Pay Day because it is time employers extend the same pay to women as they do men. We need to have legislation passed ending employers from asking job applicants their salary history, which would help close the gender pay gap.”

The president of Rockland Community College agreed and thanked Sen. Carlucci for his help each year promoting the Job Fair.

“Job opportunities are critical for our students to raise families and change their lives. Sen. Carlucci being here and supporting this effort is further testimony to our students and the opportunities, which lie in front of them,” said Michael Anthony Baston, President of SUNY Rockland Community College.

This year's job fair brought in employers in retail, hospitality, health care, civil industries and more.

“10 years ago in 2008 when the job market was in tremendous decline, we had 30 companies and about 700 potential employees trying desperately to find employment. I can happily say we have over 100 employers and far fewer people looking for employment, said Irene Deutsch, Director of Career Services at SUNY Rockland Community College.

Rockland County's Director of Economic Growth and Tourism was impressed by how many local employers had openings and said the Job Fair this year, highlighted its importance not just to applicants, but to businesses looking for qualified candidates.

“We congratulate Rockland Community College on the 20th Anniversary of the Job Fair, which gives perspective job applicants an opportunity to choose from a variety of jobs and learn more about positions that would fit their skill sets. The companies can also benefit because these individuals are better prepared to join their companies. I thank everyone involved for keeping this job fair such a success, and we look forward to continued job fairs in the future,” said Lucy Redzeposki, Rockland County Director of Economic Growth and Tourism.

Photos courtesy of the Office of State Sen. David Carlucci