SANFORD — If you’re an employer looking for workers — whether the openings are seasonal or year around — the low unemployment rate has meant it isn’t always easy finding a qualified pool of applicants.

The annual York County Regional Job Fair, in its ninth year, aims to help both prospective employers looking for workers, and people looking for a job.

The York County Regional Job Fair is scheduled for April 11 at Nasson Community Center Gymnasium, but the Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce and the Maine CareerCenter are urging employers to sign up early if they wish to take part. Cost for employers is $75 for set-up and they must register online at www.sanfordchamber.org by March 22.

In 2018, 100 employers were present, looking for workers. And hundreds of people showed up, to see what was available. Some already had jobs, but were examining options, others were new workers, or exploring new fields.

According to the Maine Department of Labor, York County’s unemployment rate for November, the newest statistic available, was 2.9 percent. The statewide unemployment rate for the month was 3.2 percent.

Labor representatives say job fairs give recruiters the chance to sell themselves to a diminished labor pool.

In prior years, employers have ranged from York County’s largest employers, like Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, to smaller industrial companies, seasonal industries looking for retail, hotel and restaurant help along with employers in the health care field, and many more.

Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce President Richard Stanley said employers are also encouraged to post open positions at Maine JobLink and can get more information about that process at www.mainecareercentergov.

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