Over 70 employers gather at RCC during job fair

Samantha Oxendine

It was a beautiful day for the Annual Outdoor Career and Resource Fair at Robeson Community College. Officials estimate that close to 1,000 people came out to enjoy the fair this year, which featured more than 70 employers looking for new hires to fill open positions.

“We are extremely pleased with the turnout today,” stated Samantha Oxendine, the organizer of the event. “We have had a steady flow of students, alumni, and community members in attendance this year… this has been a great opportunity for our students, and we appreciate the employers for their participation… we showed up and we showed out.”

Many employers agree.

“I love the outdoor setting,” stated Sarah Magwood, a recruiter for Lumbee River EMC. “It has been amazing; we’ve had a good turnout.”

Magwood says LREMC is currently seeking to fill two positions, a first-class lineman and a broadband sales manager.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is also looking to fill several positions, namely roles for Deputy Sheriff and Detention Officers.

“No experience is necessary, we will teach you everything you need to know,” stated Lieutenant Jerry Blount, who has served with the RCSO for 9 years. “We will send you to school and help those who fill these positions get certified.”

The RCSO estimates that they spoke with approximately 50-60 people who came to their tent.

“It has been a really good crowd today, we’ve had a lot of students interested in criminal justice stop by,” Mickey Smith with the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office said.

Beverly Brooks with Scotland Health Care System shares a similar story.

“This has been a wonderful event,” Brooks said. “This job fair has been very organized and welcoming.”

Brooks estimates that her table had seen approximately 75 visitors by the noon hour.

“We’ve got a table full of goodies, help yourself,” Brooks told those passing by.

Brooks’ table included pens, candy, sunglasses, and hand sanitizer, all free.

“We’re looking to fill all kinds of positions, Scotland Health is like a small city,” Brooks said. “We need to fill clinical positions, we have administrative jobs, mechanical and industrial jobs, maintenance positions, engineering… we cover the gamut.”

Like Scotland, UNC Health Southeastern also has many job vacancies available and their booth stayed busy with many students, alumni, and community members stopping by to see the various jobs available. The sign in front of their booth said it all “we pay tuition, stipend, sign-on bonus, competitive salary – speak with a recruiter today,”  which helped generate interest and attract individuals to their tent.

“UNC Health Southeastern is proud of our longstanding partnership with Robeson Community College to train and recruit some of the most talented and compassionate healthcare professionals from our region,” said UNC Health Southeastern President/CEO Chris Ellington, who attended the event and could be seen greeting those who walked up to their tent. “We are always eager to participate in career fairs hosted by the college and look forward to pursing leads that were generated through this valuable event.”

Mountaire Farms also has many positions open in production, maintenance, and mechanics.

“We have seen good qualified candidates for sure,” stated Matthew Graves, a recruiter for Mountaire. “We’ve had about 20-30 people stop by so far… it has been fun mingling with the students and having that one-on-one communication with them.”

“Students who are graduating soon are always looking for that stepping stone,” Graves said. “It has been wonderful learning about the things they are studying.”

Down the sidewalk at the end of the lineup of employers, the Lumbee River State Park could be seen staying busy speaking with job seekers.

“The turnout has been good,” Park Ranger Robert Wood said. “I’ve given out about 50 business cards to people interested in learning more, so I think that’s a good sign.”

The Lumbee River State Park is seeking positions ranging from park ranger to maintenance.

“We have 7 positions to fill,” Park Ranger Karen Tyler stated. “We hope to fill all of them soon.”