Job seekers fear gov. shutdown

The Idaho Department of Labor hosted their job fair Tuesday. Although the fair was geared toward former INL workers, the fair received interest from industries as well.

The department expected a turn out of about 250 job seekers, but a over 300 people looking for work filled the fair. Many believe the high attendance was a result of the partial government shut down, leaving them in fear.

Employers were surprised to see both current and former government employees like Jenay McIntier searching for employment. She got a fresh start on the hunt for jobs after feeling the backlash of recent government turmoil.

“My last day at my job was yesterday,” said McIntier. “You know having to split my time between work and trying to find a job, I’ve been struggling to do that.”

Other job seekers and government employees said they were struggling as well. Many said they are considering a complete career change or leaving the workforce all together.

“Probably for the first time in my adult working years I’m thinking maybe I’ll just stay home and concentrate on family,” said McIntire.

Unfortunately not everyone has the option of taking a time-out from the employment race, and many say they are looking for more than just another job, perhaps one with training.

Labor liaison Denise McDonald said people searching a new career must be willing to give it time.Experts say learning a different career could be a lot easier than trying to mismatch skills with a job that many are not properly educated for. More accessible jobs may provide on-the-job training that McDonald said people could get from apprenticeships.

“You’re basically being trained on the job site by a journeyman worker that’s going to be working with you throughout your whole training period.”

In the midst of a jeopardizing political climate and the need for work, McDonald says there aren’t many other career-changing options that will keep workers from starting at poor-paying entry-level positions.

Although people were focused on finding employment, the fair also prepared people for the hunt with resume critiques and interviewing skills.