Summer job fair puts Tuscaloosa-area students in front of potential employers

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – Hundreds of Tuscaloosa-area students made plans for the summer before school ended, participating in a job fair that could keep some of them busy for weeks, if not months.

Inside the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Center, the IGNITE Summer Job Fair lined up more than 500 students with interviews in front of nearly two dozen companies looking to fill positions.

The job fair, organized by West Alabama Works, was geared towards students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. Organizers found 21 companies looking for summer employees to participate., including a hospital, sporting goods stores, fast food businesses, supermarkets, and others.

Those businesses held onsite, face-to-face interviews with students. Those who successfully complete a business’ hiring process could secure a summer job.

“I think it’s like a good opportunity for students who don’t have access to getting a job. And for the schools to be able to provide it is a good thing,” explained Daitwan Jordan, a student attending Holt High School.

Some students have the chance to explore dual enrollment and/or apprenticeships through IGNITE, according to West Alabama Works.

The job fair started as an online student job portal through West Alabama Works, with the support of the Tuscaloosa County Commission, toward the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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