Job fair brings hope after Imperial Valley plant closure
Adrik Vargas
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A major job fair at the Imperial Valley Mall drew hundreds of job seekers Friday, as the community works to help those hit hardest by recent layoffs.
The event comes after the sudden closure of the Spreckels Sugar Plant in Brawley, which wiped out around 400 jobs and sent shockwaves through the local economy.
Employers from across the Valley came ready to hire, looking to help people get back on their feet.
“We’re looking for EVS, pharmacy techs, but mostly RNs, but we’re looking for everything,” said Marselle Cooke with Pioneers Memorial Healthcare.
One program, ForeverGreen Farms, offers an eight-week paid training for farmworkers to move into better-paying agriculture jobs.
“The training is gonna pay $25 an hour, the training is for 8 weeks completely paid, they’re even gonna get transportation if they don’t have any to get to the training,” said Ruben Partida with Comité de Acción del Valle.
Congressman Raul Ruiz, who helped organize the job fair, said he’s working with growers and the USDA to save jobs.
“We’re working with the growers, and the USDA, to salvage what we can of the beet industry, so that people in that industry can continue to work. We’re also working with the Lithium Valley companies to create the manufacturing base of jobs that many people here have skills for,” Congressman Ruiz said.
Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez also encouraged companies to see what the region has to offer.
“Come see the jewel, the gem, of what Imperial County is, so that way they can understand really the beauty, the hard working people here,” Assemblyman Gonzalez shared.
County officials say they hope to host two job fairs every year.
For more information and employment resources, visit the Imperial County Workforce Development Board.