13th annual job fair on April 24

By Chuck Friedbauer

Chaska High School will host the 13th annual Job and Education Fair on April 24, in conjunction with the Carver County Workforce Service Center. 

This fair is different from the College Fair, also held at the high school earlier this month. While this event does have information for high school students, it definitely has more of an adult focus, said Chaska High School career resource counselor Emily Mattran.

“There are businesses that hire high school students, but even more that are looking to hire adults,” Mattran said. “The schools that come to this event are available to students, but they also provide education to a wide variety of adult students looking to continue their education, or those looking for a career field change.”

Over 40 businesses, educational institutions and military organizations will be present at the fair, including Lake Region Medical, IWCO Direct, Dunwoody College of Technology and the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

The state of Minnesota sent out an e-mail notice for the fair earlier this week notifying anyone registered for unemployment insurance. “That went out to 42,000 people and really helped our attendance when we did it for the first time last year,” said Gwen Jansen, with the Carver County Workforce Service Center.

About the only difference from past job fairs is a portion set aside strictly for students. “Although we’re marketing the fair to run from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., all the businesses will be ready at 3 p.m. so students can have a chance to talk with whomever they choose,” said Jansen.

“Last year, we opened at 3 p.m. and that turned into quite a traffic jam with school letting out then. This also gives the students a chance to use the fair without being overwhelmed by a lot of other people present.”

Job Fair

What: 13th annual Chaska Area Job and Education Fair

When: April 24, 3:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m.

Where: Chaska High School Commons