Record-Setting Job Fair Displays Breadth of Conroe’s Workforce and Industry

Job seekers flocked to Conroe as they looked north for opportunities at the fourth annual Greater Conroe Job Fair. The Greater Conroe Economic Development Council (GCEDC), with help from the Conroe/Lake Conroe Area Chamber, Workforce Solutions and Lone Star College-Conroe Center, continued their efforts of filling workforce needs on January 26 at The Lone Star Convention and Expo Center.

The job fair attracted nearly 600 job seekers to visit with roughly 40 participating businesses and groups looking to fill jobs. The diversity of the economic climate in Conroe was on display with companies from many different industries seeking employees. The industries represented included healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, hospitality, law enforcement, and financial services, among many others.

A handful of staffing services were also on hand to spread the word about the array of jobs available, as well as to offer assistance with resume writing and interviewing. Additionally, the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps participated in the job fair to educate interested men and women about opportunities to serve their country.

“This was the best turnout of job seekers we have had,” said Jennifer Matthews, Associate Director of the GCEDC. “The Greater Conroe region is filled with available workers with a diverse skill set. I am confident the companies represented at the job fair were impressed with the caliber of the attendees.”

Job seekers were also able to register on-site for one of five, $500 scholarships to attend Lone Star College-Conroe Center, which is producing quality employees to meet industry needs. The scholarships can be used to learn additional skills or to enhance current skills needed to find a job.

“The collaboration with Lone Star College-Conroe Center is very important,” noted Matthews. “LSC-Conroe Center plays a large role in solving the skills gap shortage by training the local workforce. Our goal is that the five scholarship winners will benefit from learning a new trade or advance their careers by honing their existing skills.”

Despite the struggles of the oil and gas industry, the economic climate in Montgomery County is expected to grow. With a number of expansions and new businesses planned in Conroe, there are more opportunities on the horizon for job seekers. As the 2016 job fair demonstrated, Conroe has the necessary diverse workforce ready to do business and it’s a sure bet that people will keep looking north for opportunities.