Pot roast samples from Sirloin Stockade, virtual reality games from Workforce Development Rural Capital Area, chirping baby chicks from Sweet Eats Fruit Farm.
These were just a few of the myriad delights enjoyed by area residents of all ages Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Greater Taylor Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo & Job Fair at the Williamson County Expo Center.
“Sweet Eats came to visit, and they brought some friends,” said Rachael Westerman, the Chamber’s membership & operations director, referring to a box of live hatchlings in a box at the Georgetown-area farm’s booth. “That little one is super happy to be here.”
Hundreds of local families, employment seekers and others came out to this free annual event to visit the booths of more than 60 vendors at the fair who offered door prizes, swag, music, food, interactive exhibits as well as information on area job openings from Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Epcor Utilities, Durcon, Ancira Salsa, DDP Motorsports and more.
“We have people that are hiring,” Westerman said. “Sweet Eats is one of our vendors that is looking to hire some people.”
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area was one of the vendors on hand sharing information about the free childcare, as well as the training and recruitment services they provide — and showing off the virtual reality headsets they use for everything from welding to public safety instruction.
“We use (them) for upskilling purposes,” said David Grove, Workforce Solutions’ area manager. “A customer partner can learn a new trade through VR, and it’s really hands-on.”
Career & Technical Education students Josh Lopez and Kalee Sandoval were also on hand with their instructor Marvin Kroft at the Taylor Independent School District’s booth to talk about their experiences with the welding program.
“I absolutely love it,” said Lopez. “It’s a really good trade. For underwater welding, you can make a lot of money.”
Kroft echoed this, saying students can earn up to six figures, and are getting valuable training that can make them eligible for work right after graduation.
“These guys are getting industry based certifications,” Kroft said. “They are able to graduate on Monday and walk into a job on Tuesday.”
CTE students Josh Lopez and Kalee Sandoval stand with instructor Marvin Kroft at the Sept. 10 Expo.
Photos by Nicole Lessin
