NORFOLK – Local and area business representatives who have been looking for part-time employees had the opportunity recently to find future workers all in one location. Approximately thirty-five companies attended Northeast Community College’s Part Time Job Fair.

The annual event, sponsored by the College’s Career Services Office, allows employers to speak with Northeast students who are looking for part-time employment during the 2016-17 academic year. Employers recruited for a variety of positions including accounting, food service, retail, broadcasting, health, and customer service, among others.

Agribusiness student, Justin Timmerman, Norfolk, was among the over three-hundred students seeking employment opportunities at the event.

“I am looking for a part time job for the winter, so I could make some money while still going to school,” he said. “I think the Job Fair is good. It’s right on campus, so more students are able to come.”

Cassie Wattier attended the Job Fair on behalf of the Norfolk Family YMCA. She said “The Y” is hiring for multiple positions.

“We usually get really good applicants from the college each year, so that’s why we like to come here and do this. We’ve had quite a few students come through today and we have some applications to take back.”

This was the second year that Wess Leuthold, operations manager for Southeast Unloading, attended the Job Fair. Employees of the company unload trucks, sort products and break them down to be stored in warehouses. Southeast Unloading works inside the Affiliated Foods Midwest warehouse in Norfolk.

Leuthold said the company likes to hire college students for part time work before classes early in the morning and on Saturday mornings.

“(The Job Fair) is pretty nice. We were able to gain four part-time associates last year and I’m getting a lot of good questions today. Most of the people coming through here are fairly young, fairly athletic, not afraid of physical work…so this works out pretty good.”

“This event is a great way to connect employers and students,” said Terri Heggemeyer, director of career services at Northeast. “It is a wonderful opportunity for employers to find part-time employees to fill their open positions. The Part Time Job Fair brings together local businesses and our students to help the businesses fill their needs and positively impact the local economy.”

The event is offered free to businesses and to students.

Video created by Colin Ortmeier