On May 3, 2023, the town of Superior, Arizona, came alive with the buzz and excitement of the Superior Career & Hiring Expo. This much-anticipated event, sponsored by Local First Arizona, and hosted by Career Connectors brought together a diverse range of employers and a vast array of eager jobseekers. Held at the Superior Enterprise Center, this in-person expo offered a unique opportunity for face-to-face interactions, which are often rare during the average job fair. Luckily, there is nothing average (or job fair-ish) about Career Connectors events!
Engaged Employers
One of the standout features of the Superior Career & Hiring Expo was the remarkable level of engagement and participation from employers. Companies from various industries eagerly participated, showcasing their job openings and career pathways. The event attracted major employers like the U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting Substation Queen Creek, State Farm Insurance, Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry (formerly referred to as simply the AZ Department of Corrections), Capstone Copper Pinto Valley Mine, Resolution Copper, and Rosendin Electric, as well as other construction, healthcare, and electric companies. These employers collectively offered more than 549 jobs and numerous opportunities for jobseekers, ranging from internships and apprenticeships to full and part-time positions, including remote and in-person positions.
Organizations offering training, free classes, and other educational opportunities, as well as open positions, included Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT), Per Scholas, National Technical Institute, and DPR Construction.
From major companies to local businesses to educational organizations, employers were enthusiastic about participating in the expo and enjoyed connecting with job seekers directly.
Interested Attendees
The expo drew a wide array of students and jobseekers with diverse interests and career paths. Attendees ranged in age from high schoolers to experienced professionals, demonstrating the appeal and inclusivity of the event. This incredible diversity created a dynamic environment, where jobseekers were able to connect directly with local employers and explore opportunities relevant to their career goals. Attending job candidates left with many job opportunities and training/upskilling options, and were full of hope for their next career step.
Opportunities Galore
Jobseekers were presented with a wealth of opportunities. State Farm Insurance alone had 191 job openings, while the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation & Reentry offered 184 positions. Capstone Copper Pinto Valley Mine had 33 openings, and various construction, healthcare, and electric companies also had dozens of entry level, skilled trades, and professional roles available. With such a diverse range of industries and positions, attendees had an excellent chance of finding suitable employment.
In addition to job openings, the expo provided training and certification opportunities, ensuring that attendees could enhance their skills and qualifications. The event also facilitated one-on-one conversations with hiring managers, allowing job seekers to make a lasting impression and forge valuable connections. As we always stress, networking is crucial when searching for a job! Importantly, 43 interviews took place during the event, with dozens more scheduled for follow-ups.
Perks
As if featuring job opportunities wasn’t enough, the Superior Career & Hiring Expo offered additional perks. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary taco lunch, free professional business portraits, and exciting raffles and giveaways. These added incentives created a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, making the event even more memorable.
Positive Experiences
The event left a lasting impression on both employers and job seekers. An overwhelming 85.7% of attendees rated their experience at the expo as high or very high. The corporate employment sponsors were particularly appreciative, noting the attentiveness, responsiveness, and encouragement they received throughout the event. Local business representatives expressed appreciation that this expo was essentially hosted in their back yard and all involved look forward to future opportunities to participate in Career Connectors’ career expos.
After the career expo, students from Superior High School spent time in a workshop with Jessica Pierce, CEO and Founder of Career Connectors. They discussed career pathways, networking engagement, job opportunities and next steps. Students were engaged and excited about all the new options that were open to them from this community event.
Success
As our first Career Connectors Career Expo in such a rural area, the Superior Career & Hiring Expo proved to be a resounding success, bringing together engaged employers and eager job seekers in the remote community located less than an hour east of the Phoenix metro area. We were delighted at the registration numbers, with 219 people registering for this in-person event, which shows there is great interest for similar events in rural areas.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both employers and attendees highlights the effectiveness and value of in-person career expos. The event not only facilitated job connections, but also fostered a sense of community and support within the local workforce. It served as a stepping stone for individuals seeking to build a successful career path, ultimately benefiting the entire community of Superior, Arizona.
A great way to stay informed about upcoming Career Connectors events is to check the Events page of our website, as well as to Like and Follow our Facebook page. We’d love to see you at our next virtual or in-person event!
