KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Two Job Fairs Saturday

Two Job Fairs Saturday

(WICHITA, Kan.)

Recent numbers show Wichita's unemployment rate is around 10-percent. Two job fairs hope to change that.

The Intrust Bank Arena's job fair will hire people for about 420 positions at the new venue. "We have a good pool of applicants because of the economy," said Intrust Arena's General Manager Chris Presson. "We're just happy to provide opportunity.

He expects as many as 3,000 people to apply for the part-time positions. Job descriptions include working ticket booths and ushering when the venue opens.

"I think at this point," said Presson. "There are people that are looking for, in relative terms, anything to keep themselves busy, and to put on their resume, so they don't have any gap in employment."

A few blocks away at the Broadview Hotel, you'll see a much different kind of job fair. Closed curtains conceal eager job seekers.

"It's been very tough," said Greg Freshette, "especially with only about two years experience, a lot of companies are looking for experienced and mid-level employees."

The engineer has been unemployed since August, and says he'll move if that means employment. "Relocating, I'm fine with that if it means a job opportunity."

So it's the tale of two job fairs.

One would bring employment to the city, the other would take employees away.

The Intrust Arena Job Fair
9:00am to 3:00pm
Century II Expo Hall
420 Jobs Available

Piper Aviation Job Fair
8:00am to 6:00pm
Broadview Hotel in downtown Wichita
Engineering specific