Workers affected by the Hasbro relocation can meet more than 25 employers at a state career fair on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community College of Rhode Island's Knight Campus, 400 East Ave., Warwick. The Department of Labor and Training announced it on Nov. 5. Other job seekers are welcome.
The department calls it the second Rhode Island Corporate Career Fair and runs it with Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston. The employers are recruiting for corporate-level jobs in business operations, finance, human resources, information technology, marketing, project management, logistics and other fields.
What to know before going
Pre-registration is not required but is strongly encouraged, through the career fair registration page linked from the department's release. Job seekers are advised to bring several copies of their resumes. DLT Career Center staff, Skills for Rhode Island's Future and the United Way of Rhode Island will be there with support services.
DLT also lists free services for job seekers: one-on-one job coaching, referrals to low- or no-cost training, the EmployRI state job board, and American Job Centers in Providence, West Warwick and Woonsocket.
What the release does not say
The release does not say how many Hasbro employees are affected, where the company is relocating its work or when the first fair took place. Without a count, the release gives no way to compare the fair with the need. DLT Director Matthew Weldon said the department wants every Rhode Islander to have access to quality career opportunities. Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien, whose city worked with DLT on its response to the Hasbro departure, said the priority is supporting the employees and families affected.
The state's most recent monthly jobs report put Rhode Island nonfarm employment at 513,100 in September, down 1,600 from August, with an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent. DLT is scheduled to release October figures at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19.
