SPRINGVALE — People looking to change careers, perhaps change employers and those exploring their options will find an unprecedented number of employers looking for workers on Thursday at the York County Regional Job Fair, set for 1 to 5 p.m. at Nasson Community Center.

More than 110 employers — from industries like health care, insurance, banking, manufacturing, defense contracting, the military, construction, corrections, seasonal hospitality staff and others are looking for employees.

While the job fair is held in York County, it is open to all, say organizers that include the Maine Department of Labor, Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce, New Ventures Maine, Maine Military Community Network, York County Community College, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Workforce Solutions.

“The challenge for employers continues and our goal is to fill the house with job seekers and career changers,” said Ben Neveux, a business services representative at the Maine Department of Labor’s CareerCenter in Springvale. “We are targeting job seekers in southern Maine. This is not just a York County event.”

Maine’s unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in February, the latest statistic available. York County’s unemployment rate was 3.6 percent and the rate was 2.7 percent in nearby Cumberland County.

Job seekers and those looking to change careers will have the opportunity to speak with recruiters working to immediately fill open positions in all sectors of Maine’s economy, said Neveux.

Sanford Springvale Chamber of Commerce President Richard Stanley said this job fair is the largest yet, with  the most companies seeking workers,  since the first York County fair was organized nine years ago.

“That says to me that businesses in the York County area, Cumberland County and into seacoast New Hampshire are having a tough time finding qualified workers,” said Stanley. “It also tells me companies are thinking of expanding their employment base — companies that seem to be expanding are starting to look for new employees.”

He said some employers are changing their strategy and looking to be more flexible with hours and schedules — jobs aren’t necessarily 9 to 5 these days.

Those looking for seasonal work should be encouraged, he said, given the number of businesses in the hospitality industry looking for staff.

Some non- traditional workers — like senior citizens who have already retired, but are finding they’ve got too much free time on their hands or just want to be more active are also sought after, Stanley pointed out.

“That’s a workforce everybody’s got to look at now,” Stanley said.

Neveux said attendees should research the companies recruiting at the job fair, and if possible, apply for positions before meeting with a recruiter to make a positive first impression.

“Job seekers should also bring a resume and be prepared to have an “interview-like” conversation with employers to discuss skills, knowledge areas, and abilities. Job seekers should also be dressed for an interview,” said Neveux.

People can look at list of companies taking part in the job fair at: https://www.mainecareercenter.com/locations/jobfair.shtml?id=983892

“Hiring fairs give job seekers in Maine the opportunity to meet employers in person and explore career options,” Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman said. “With many different employers participating, attendees can consider a wide array of potential careers.”

Nasson Community Center in located at 457 Main St. in the Springvale village sector of Sanford.

For more information, contact Neveux at the York County CareerCenter at Bernard.A.Neveux@maine.gov or by phone at 324-5460 or 800-343-0151. TTY: users can call Maine relay 711.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.

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