Joining forces to provide ‘pathways of possibilities’

Throughout our region, K-12 schools, community colleges are partnering with businesses and organizations to provide ‘pathways of possibilities’ to young adults.

“But we have to bridge gaps; gaps in information, gaps in experience and gaps in opportunities, and this event is absolutely a bridge for this demographic,” Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said as the QC Mayors’ Young Adult Hiring Fair got underway Wednesday at the TaxSlayer Center.

More than 250 young adults, ages 16-24, eagerly took that bridge to talk to 42 employers from across the region about entry-level positions. Business, organization, city government and military representatives spent five hours talking one-on-one with a stream of young adults, some granting job interviews and positions on the spot, to help them get their first job opportunity and build that essential foundation of workplace skills.

“The business community is excited to have young people join the workforce,” said the Chamber’s Vice President, Talent and Inclusion, Mark Holloway. The Chamber collaborated with employers, schools, community colleges and workforce offices to ensure the youth who attended would envision all of the opportunities they have now in the QC, and in the future.

Mayor Rayapati said sometimes students and young people need to be brought to experiences to really know what is available and need things tailored to them and their place in life. “This job fair is a wonderful way to provide pathways of possibilities for young people in the entire QC. We know there are significant needs in the workforce and the local economy really needs everyone to step up and step out and come back into the workforce,” she said. “I am very encouraged by the large number of businesses and organizations that are here seeking employees.”

Whitey’s Ice Cream employs about 300 workers and many are high school students, said Vice President Annika Tunberg. “We love to be involved in this job fair. A lot of times you go somewhere, and you don’t think about what it would be like to work there. Talking with an employer at a job fair puts an idea in your mind and makes you realize the work that goes into that company, or an opportunity that might present itself that you never thought about before. We can talk to these young adults about working at Whitey’s and what that entails. They get the chance to learn more and explore their options,” she said.

Matthew Wallace is four years out of high school and already has some workplace experience, but he wants more. “I’ve been working pretty hard applying at different places through various company websites. For me, I believe the only way to make a lasting impression is to meet people in person. That is my goal here, as well as explore the opportunities that are out there,” he said.

@qcchamber We had an amazing time at the QCA Mayors Young Adult hiring fair! �� #workforce #talent #economy #midwest #quadcities ♬ Hard Work - U.S. Drill Sergeant Field Recordings

That also was the goal of high school sophomore Drake Franklin, who already had one company in mind he wanted to work for, Hy-Vee, but was open to other possibilities, too.

TBK Bank Sports Complex & Entertainment Center was on hand, hoping to fill a number of part-time seasonal positions thar are great for first-time job seekers said Melissa Johnson, Executive Assistant to the CEO. “They can build expertise in a lot of areas, whether it is socializing, sports or within the entertainment center,” she said, adding it is important to gain workplace skills early. “I started working when I was 16. It develops character and builds responsibility.”

Davenport Mayor Mike Matson said the fair is a great tool because it opens the eyes of young adults to all of the opportunities available to them, “and to focus on how to develop themselves. Here they get to learn about all of the different companies that have openings for them now or in the future, and that is good. All of the businesses and organizations here are providing guidance to these young adults so they see and understand their opportunities, whether they secure a job today or not,” he said.

Central High School senior Emerance Iradukunda knows she wants a career in real estate and marketing, and she is now working in retail, but she attended to see what else might catch her interest. “I’ve been taught that when you get a new job you gain more experience and opportunities, and you put yourself out there more than staying in one spot. I wanted to see if I could do one more thing before I leave for college, so when I do go, I will have even more experience to do other things,” she said.

Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher thanked the participating companies for helping youth realize the many opportunities they have in the region, now and into the future. “The Quad Cities is wonderful, the opportunities here are wonderful, the cost of living is wonderful. This is the place to stay, grow and raise a family, so I encourage all young adults here today to talk to everyone, learn about every opportunity there is and find your home here in the Quad Cities,” he said.

East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman agreed. “We are one Quad Cities and we look forward to keeping you here and contributing your expertise.”