Following a year of shutdowns and increased unemployment numbers, the demand currently is for staff, as local businesses struggle to fill shifts and maintain posted hours of business operation.
The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, recognizing a need for a resource to connect businesses and potential employees, has created pages on both Facebook & Instagram called Job Connections Bradford.
“I saw a post on Facebook saying ‘My friend needs a job, who is hiring?’ That triggered me to think how often that happens, there are so many places to look for jobs. How could we simplify it?” said Heidi Scrivo Passmore, executive director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.
A release from the Chamber outlining the two pages indicated the purpose is to connect employers and job seekers. This will facilitate the job search and allow job seekers to see the variety of jobs available in the area compiled in one location. Those who mention a job search are encouraged to visit, and those who are employed but hear someone is seeking work are encouraged to pass on word of the new resource (@JobConnectionsBradford,PA).
All employers in the Bradford Area are invited to post job openings on this Facebook Page. This can be done by:
— tagging the Chamber in a post on the business Facebook Page
— email a flyer, png or jpg file with details of the opening to Chamber staff member Casselyn Kervin at Casselyn@bradfordchamber.com
— email the title and a few details of the job available
Community members are invited to visit the page and like, follow and share.
“The more we build the audience, the more we can help our local community cope with the current workforce shortage, as well as help job seekers get connected to the right job,” the release stated. “This page will also include links to Career Link and other work readiness programs in the area. It is an inclusive, collaborative effort to support the community.”
Various employers in the Bradford area are partnered with the Chamber for this effort, including:
Bradford Manor, Allegheny Bradford Corp, W. R. Case & Sons, Zippo Manufacturing, Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital working with the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.
“All employers have been very interested as well as community members. This is open to all businesses,” Passmore said. “Our partners are supporting this and allowing us the opportunity to provide this service to the community.”
Rather than a project initiated to suit a short-term need, the Job Connections social media is intended to be a reliable resource well into the future.
“This is not temporary. The chamber will maintain this. It will be something to help our local business community long term,” Passmore stated.
