Katahdin career fair to provide information, opportunities

MILLINOCKET – At least 35 businesses from around the state will be on hand for the Katahdin Region Career Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the American Legion Hall on Central Street.

Organized by the East Millinocket Career Center, the fair will include exhibits by MBNA, Microdyne, Sunrise Materials, Cianbro, Care Development of Maine, Hinckley Yachts, Mercy Hospital and Securitas.

Part of the fair’s purpose is to put workers in touch with employers who are hiring, according to Frank Crosby, head of the employer services group at the Career Center. Many of the workers who were laid off last year in the closing of the Great Northern Paper mills will finish their retraining at the Katahdin Region Higher Education Center in May, Crosby said.

“We want to make sure we put as many options in front of them as is possible,” Crosby said Tuesday.

The fair also will introduce some people to the process of applying for a job, Crosby said.

“A lot of people who worked in Lincoln and at GNP went into the mills directly from high school and never had to apply for a job,” Crosby said. “This is a chance for them to see what to expect from employers in the process.”

For employees of the former Lincoln Pulp and Paper Co. who recently re-entered the labor market, the fair may helpful in deciding what type of retraining and career to pursue, Crosby said.

“Not everyone coming here will get a job, but hopefully everyone will learn something that may make it more likely they’ll find job,” Crosby said.

Mike Carroll and Jamie Drennan from the Career Center played an integral role in organizing the career fair, Crosby said, and more than 20 area businesses have donated door prizes and other supplies to the event.

Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring a resume and expect to talk with potential employers, Crosby said. For the most current list of attending companies, visit the Web site at www.katahdinworksphere.com.