Burlington County to host first-of-its-kind job fair

MOUNT LAUREL - The Burlington County Board of Commissioners is partnering with Rowan College at Burlington County, the County Workforce Development Board and the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce to offer workers an opportunity to connect with employers in addition to offering resources and training opportunities for businesses to recover from the pandemic. 

“From the start of the pandemic, our county has been 100% committed to helping our residents and businesses get through this crisis. We’ve made a lot of gains during the past 18 months, but we know the job isn’t finished until everyone is back to work and all our businesses are fully recovered,” said Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson in a news release. 

The Get The Get Back to Business Burlington County Job, Training and Entrepreneurship Fair is set to be held at the Rowan College at Burlington County Student Success Center on Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Around 30 local and regional employers are expected to attend the job fair looking to make contact with potential employees. 

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The event will also feature Entrepreneurs Alley, where small business owners and those looking to start a business can meet with government representatives from the state and federal level in addition to the Burlington County Department of Economic Development and Regional Planning to learn about assistance opportunities. Representatives will also answer questions regarding launching a new business in New Jersey and how to best navigate government regulations and obtaining permits.

“So many people in Burlington County are looking for a new start, whether it be a new job, continuing their education and training or starting a business.  That is why this unique event is so important to help get back to business and give our residents the options they need and want," said Kristi Howell, President and CEO of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

Representatives from Rowan College at Burlington County, the Burlington County Institute of Technology’s Adult Education Program and the Burlington County Workforce Development Board will also be the the job fair to help workers wanting to enhance their skills or receive training or certification for a new career.

"This job fair will provide access to immediate employment, but will also provide resources for those who are looking to gain new skills for the careers that will be in demand as we emerge from the pandemic," said Michael A. Cioce, president of Rowan College at Burlington County. 

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While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to pre-register via a form on the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s website. 

Attendees will also be asked to wear masks and social distance during the event. 

Employers and exhibitors who want to attend should register by emailing Admin@bcrcc.com.

The job fair is just one of many actions the undertaken by Burlington County to assist residents looking for work or start a new career or business. 

Recently, the county launched a new Burlington County Business Portal on its website to provide businesses and startups with an all-in-one site for useful information and links to agencies and programs.

The county and the Regional Chamber of Commerce also plan to to hold a series of Burlington County Business Connect seminars for business owners and leaders.

The Workforce Development Board also launched a new Engage by Cell service that allows residents to sign up for text message alerts about new job openings and career training opportunities. To enroll, text the letters WDB (Workforce Development Board) to the 56512. Residents are free to opt out anytime.

“We’ve heard that what many businesses are lacking most is skilled and trained workers, so we’re doing everything we can to connect them with those looking for work and to make sure those residents also have easy access to the training and education that is so critical," said Hopson.