Connecting Communities: NCWorks Career Center-Mooresville Patio Job Fair Bridges Opportunities for the Hispanic Community

In a proactive effort to reach out to the Hispanic community and offer valuable services, NCWorks Career Center Mooresville, led by Jens Schmidt, recently organized an event that aimed to introduce the center's offerings to this specific demographic. The event took place on the large patio outside at the NCWorks Career Center Mooresville located at 532 Patterson Avenue in Mooresville. The Center serves as a familiar and accessible venue for job seekers in the area looking for employment. The event sought to address the unique challenges faced by the Hispanic community, particularly in terms of job opportunities.

The driving force behind this event was the realization that the Hispanic community in the area is well-established but often lacks access to English-speaking organizations that can assist them in advancing their careers. The NCWorks team observed that many Hispanics were eager to progress professionally but faced barriers due to language constraints. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership Program noted that a significant number of applicants were unable to qualify for their program due to low household incomes. This revelation acted as the catalyst for the initiative to support the Hispanic community in their journey toward upward mobility.
Collaboration and partnerships played a vital role in the event's success. Among the participating partners, The Health Reach Clinic offers free healthcare services and Mitchell Community College provides free English language classes. However, the backbone of the event lay in the presence of three employers—Pactiv Evergreen, Debotech, and The Budd Group— who offered a Spanish-speaking infrastructure for applicants. Their commitment included facilitating job interviews, selection processes, onboarding, and on-the-job training in Spanish.

The event drew the attention of 16 attendees, with 10 being individuals from the Hispanic community and six of them non-English speakers. The presence of Mitchell Community College was instrumental in attracting Hispanic applicants, showing the potential for further collaboration and community outreach.
Although this was the first targeted event for the Hispanic community, the NCWorks Career Center Mooresville team acknowledges that building lasting connections and trust with the Hispanic community will take time. Nevertheless, they remain committed to nurturing these relationships and tapping into the untapped labor pool needed by local industries.

The Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NCWorks Career Center served as a bridge connecting the Hispanic community with valuable services, opportunities, and potential employers. By addressing the unique needs of this community, the event showcased the commitment of Centralina Workforce Development Board and its partners to empower individuals and elevate the region's workforce. As similar events are developed, the Centralina Workforce Development Board and the NCWorks Career Centers promise to play a significant role in shaping the professional landscape for the Hispanic community in Mooresville and throughout the Centralina WDB region.

For more information on resources, opportunities, and successes, visit https://centralinaworkforce.com/. And be sure to download the FREE Centralina WDB Mobile App – available on at the Google Play Store and the App Store for iPhone to keep up with all the local workforce services and events happening around the region.

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