A Resounding Success: Hundreds of Job Seekers Connect with Leading Houston-Area Employers at 7th Annual Career Opportunity Fair
November 22, 2024 -- Houston, Texas -- Nearly 900 job seekers connected with Houston’s leading employers at the 7th Annual Career Opportunity Fair on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
The event featured over 50 employers, including the City of Houston, METRO Transit Authority, The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), KTSU, Houston Community College, Harris Health System, Port Houston, International Cooling Tower (ICT), Emerson, Houston Area Urban League and Workforce Solutions.
Port Houston’s HR Talent Team said they were honored to participate in an event that strengthens their commitment to the Houston community.
“Engaging with local job seekers and sharing the diverse career paths available within Port Houston was a truly rewarding experience,” said Port Houston’s HR Talent team. “Events like this play a vital role in fostering a stronger workforce and filling essential roles that contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our city. We look forward to further supporting the positive impact these initiatives have on our community.”
The fair not only facilitated connections between job seekers and top employers but also opened doors to substantial career development opportunities. Such as is the Section 3 certification, which grants participants access to work on multi-million-dollar projects across Houston. The HUD Section 3 Program offers crucial job training, employment, and contracting opportunities to low- and very-low-income workers and local businesses involved in projects funded by the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). To learn more, visit https://houstontx.gov/housing/section3.html
Mental wellness services were also on-site for the event. Chrystal Boyce, Division Manager of Contract Compliance in Compliance and Grants Management, emphasized that the event was about more than just career opportunities.
“It’s about equipping you with the tools, connections and resources to achieve success. Not just today but throughout your journey,” Boyce said. “I understand firsthand the challenges we face in today’s economy and the importance of building healthy habits and positive social connections that create a foundation that supports mental resilience.”
Hundreds from the community came to network with employers, including Bianca Bevans, a veteran who moved to Houston earlier this year. She said she was happy to learn that many employers offered training.
“That’s definitely something I’d been looking to find as well, places that are willing to train me so that I could upskill myself to make myself more competitive for positions.”
Boyce said the event started seven years ago as a spark of inspiration and has grown into a thriving community partnership that continues to exceed expectations and make a meaningful difference.
“The incredible event aimed to elevate and empower Houston’s workforce through meaningful employment opportunities and comprehensive support service,” Boyce said.
Special Thanks to All Vendors and Resource Partners
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The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) department makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at http://houstontx.gov/housing.
