The Gene Bianchi Community Center in Oakdale was the site of renewed hope and opportunity for many area residents on Wednesday, Aug. 21, as the city hosted its biannual Career Fair.
The event, which was open to all and ran from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., brought together a diverse array of employers and eager job seekers, highlighting the region’s commitment to local economic growth and employment.
Oakdale Mayor Cherilyn Bairos emphasized the importance of such events for the community.
“It’s super important to have events like this so people in our community can actually get jobs,” Mayor Bairos stated.
The fair featured a wide range of employers, from established local institutions like Oak Valley Community Bank and the Oakdale Joint Unified School District to larger regional employers such as Chicken Ranch Casino and The Wine Group. Job opportunities spanned various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, construction, education, and manufacturing.
Attendees had the chance to explore positions ranging from entry-level roles to specialized positions in engineering, human resources, and healthcare. The diversity of opportunities reflected the growing and varied economic landscape of not only host city Oakdale but also the surrounding Stanislaus County.
Mayor Bairos also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event.
“We are very happy with the partnership with Opportunity Stanislaus, the City of Oakdale, and then the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce,” she said. “We want to continue having these twice a year.”
The turnout exceeded expectations, with Mayor Bairos noting that by 2:45 p.m., approximately 30 people were already waiting at the door, underscoring the strong interest in local job opportunities.
Officials noted events like the Career Fair play a crucial role in connecting residents with local employment opportunities, fostering community development, and strengthening the local economy.
For those who missed this opportunity, the next Oakdale Career Fair is anticipated to be held in early 2025.
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