April 24 Job Fair target young people

Four free summer youth job fairs aimed at young people ages 16-25 will be held Saturday, April 24, throughout Orange County. The fairs — in Anaheim, Irvine, La Habra and Orange — will provide a one-stop opportunity to check out a variety of jobs and and interview with employers.

Those hiring range from retailers like Kmart, Old Navy and Bath & Body Works to food services like KFC, Jamba Juice and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and summer kids' camps like James Event Productions and Skyhawks. Several military recruiters also will attend. It's been a particularly tough year for young workers to find jobs. Statewide unemployment among those ages 16 to 19 was 33.6% in March, according to the California Employment Development Department Job fair organizers, however, say the employers who are participating will have positions to fill for both the summer and permanent employment. "They may not be hiring as many, but they are still hiring," said EDD marketing rep Judy Haugen, who is overseeing the Anaheim, La Habra and Orange job fairs. Karen Springer, who is planning the 15th annual Irvine job fair, said that employers are more upbeat this year than last year. "What I'm hearing from a lot of employers is that business is doing well," Springer said. Although the events are designed for young people with mostly entry-level jobs being offered, the fairs are not limited to those under age 26. Anyone may attend any of the fairs. Organizers recommend applicants come dressed in appropriate clothes for business and prepare a resume with references, even if it's just for volunteer work. Also make sure to bring right-to-work documents — a Social Security number or a certified copy of your birth certificate. The job fairs in Irvine and Orange are the largest, expected to attract as many as 1,000 job seekers. The Anaheim and La Habra job fairs are smaller and typically involve nearby employers. In Irvine, there also will be a boot camp the hour before the job fair begins. Job seekers are encouraged to attend the boot camp to get tips on interviewing, how to select employers and how to make a good impression.

Job fair details:

ANAHEIM
Time: Sat., April 24, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: EDD office, 2450 E. Lincoln, Anaheim 92806
Employers expected: 20

IRVINE
Time: 8:30 a.m.-12: 30 p.m. (Boot Camp: 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.)
Where: Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Rd., Irvine 92604
Employers expected: 26
Information: 949-724-6740 ext.7 or Irvine Youth Employment
Pre-registration encouraged: Irvine Youth Employment

LA HABRA
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra 90631
Employers expected: 15

ORANGE
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd., Orange 92868
Employers expected: 40