TCAT Upper Cumberland hosting a job fair Thursday at its Crossville campus to connect dozens of regional employers with students and the general public.
Marketing Coordinator for TCAT Upper Cumberland Brittany Qualls said the school expects over 80 industry partners to participate in the hiring event.
“We have a graduation coming up for our students here in August and we always like to provide them with opportunities to join the workforce as soon as possible,” Qualls said. “We like to do co-ops really prior to them graduating, let them get their foot in the door and see if it’s a good fit for them.”
Qualls said the high level of participation from employers demonstrates the quality of the student workforce being trained at the school. Qualls said the event features a wide range of industries, including nursing, industrial maintenance, and telecommunications.
“Our instructors do a really good job with our students and the goal is for them to be the best that they can be and to put the best individuals out into the workforce that are going to be a good fit for those industry partners,” Qualls said. “And so we hope to continue that, those partnerships and to, you know, grow within the community.”
Qualls said participating employers include Silver Angels, Ben Lomand, Express Employment, and Fairfield Glade. Qualls said while many available roles are entry-level positions, there will also be opportunities for more experienced job seekers.
“It’s always important to know who’s going to be there so that you know which ones you really want to go speak with the most and then you can always visit some others as you’re traveling along but it’s always important to know a little bit about the industry,” Qualls said. “To me that gives that industry an idea of who you are as a person and that you are serious about the job or the position that they may be offering so I think it’s important to do a little research on each of the places that you want to, you know, speak with while you’re at the job fair in particularly.”
Qualls said the school chose the Crossville location because it is a central point that is easily accessible for the public. Qualls said attendees should bring copies of their resumes and dress for success to maximize their chances with recruiters.
“At any job fair if we see students and public communicating with these industry partners and making connections and even just networking, it’s wonderful but to see someone walk away with a job that they are super-duper excited about, it makes our day,” Qualls said.
Qualls said staff members will be available throughout the event to help guide attendees toward employers that match their specific career interests. The event takes place from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 910 Miller Avenue in Crossville.
