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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

The city of Clanton is hosting the Chilton County Job Recruitment and Training Day on May 17.

High school students and adult job seekers will have the opportunity to connect with at least 35 businesses from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Clanton campus of Jefferson State Community College.

Businesses present will be largely construction-related industries. However, other industries will be represented.

Clanton Chief of Staff Bob Woods said many of the companies represented are looking to hire. Some will be accepting resumes and scheduling interviews or hiring directly during the event.

“We have asked them to bring jobs to the table,” Woods said. “We have asked them to go back and survey all the job opportunities they currently have and the different careers, whether it is electricians, plumbers, equipment operators, that they are currently pursuing.”

Each of these careers are in demand in central Alabama because they are seeing a shortage of qualified applicants.

During a recent presentation to Jemison High School, Woods encouraged students to “learn a craft skill” because training makes them stand out to an employer.

Each of the high schools have been invited to participate, and transportation is being provided.

“There is nothing wrong with college, but I think the day has come where there are so many occupations that are in need today that don’t require college degrees,” Woods said. “They either require a two-year certificate or some form of training to learn a specific skill.”

Wood said students do have opportunities to get this needed training while still in high school.

He encouraged students attending the event to bring a resume and be open to possibilities.

Wood said the event anticipates 1,500 students attending.

“This is a golden opportunity,” Wood said.

For more information, call 205-755-6840 or contact Debbie Street at dstreet@clantonal.gov.