The 12th Annual Central Minnesota Area Job Fair is still 10 days away, but it already appears there will be a big turnout for the second straight year.

 

As of early last week, 47 businesses had already signed up, with many more expected by the March 17 registration deadline. There were 75 companies last year.

 

Tim Zipoy, business resource representative at Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services,  says it’s a job-seekers market, and a good way to tell is by the businesses that have already signed on.

 

“The job fair is a great way for local businesses in Wright and Sherburne counties to get some exposure to the labor market and promote their companies,” he says. “But we’re also seeing companies from the Metro, West Metro and St. Cloud this year.”

 

That’s a telltale sign when businesses are expanding their search area just to find qualified people and others they can train.

 

“It’s a testament to our local workforce,” says Zipoy, “that these companies are willing to come to Wright County in pursuit of a better quality of labor market - people with good skills and a good work ethic. They know there’s talent here.”

 

Companies have actual jobs available. They’re not just searching for the future.

 

“These are real jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, construction, transportation and business,” says Zipoy.

 

The healthcare industry is one avenue that is seeking to fill a number of different positions. 

 

“It’s advanced level healthcare providers and technicians. They also need personal care people, homecare people and long term care people,” says Zipoy. “And people to work with individuals in places like Functional Industries and group homes.”

 

Companies like Prairie River Home Care, Pinnacle Services, Accurate Home Care, Good Shepard Community and Elim Care are looking for nurses, nursing assistants, cooks, dietary aides and housekeeping people.

 

But there are all types of companies looking to fill spots. Some companies already signed on include  R&M Manufacturing (press operators), MP Nexlevel (heavy equipment operators), UMC (machinists), TCR Engineered Components (automation techs), AAA Striping Service (pavement marking operators), Malco Products (production workers), Carpentry Contractors (framing & interior finish workers), Cabela’s (customer service and Bernatello’s Pizza (production, drivers).

 

The U.S. Postal Service will also be here for the first time.

 

“We want to get the word out to job seekers,” says Zipoy. “We have companies looking for skilled people and some are willing to train people for these jobs.”

 

The job fair takes place at Monticello High School Thursday, March 24 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Zipoy says organizers decided to keep the event open late to give people who are already working a chance to attend. It worked well last year.

 

“I think it was a smart strategic move to stay open a little longer. We definitely saw people coming in after work,” he says. “I saw people with work clothes on.”

 

The Workforce Center will also be on hand to help job seekers with their resumes and assist them with their job search.