Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is kicking off its annual Fall JobFest in Bend on Thursday, October 1. The three‑hour event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coats Campus Center, providing a local, family‑friendly venue where residents can meet employers face‑to‑face and even walk away with a job offer.

Why the JobFest matters for Bend families

In a region where steady, well‑paying work is essential to strong families, the JobFest gives parents and young adults a direct line to hiring managers. Attendees will find opportunities across a broad spectrum of industries, including healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, manufacturing and service‑sector positions. The event’s on‑the‑spot interview format eliminates the long wait often associated with online applications, allowing job seekers to demonstrate their skills and work ethic in real time.

What to expect

• Employer lineup: More than 30 local and regional companies will set up booths, ranging from hospitals and clinics to tech startups and construction firms.
• On‑site interviews: Recruiters have set aside interview slots, so participants can move quickly from introduction to a formal interview.
• Resources for families: Career counselors will be on hand to review résumés, offer interview tips and discuss pathways to certification for trades and technical fields.

The event is open to everyone—students, recent graduates, career changers and seasoned workers—making it a community‑wide effort to strengthen the local labor market.

Upcoming JobFests in Central Oregon

COCC will continue the JobFest series in neighboring cities: Redmond on October 6, Madras on October 14 and Prineville on October 21. Each location follows the same format, ensuring that residents throughout Deschutes County have access to local hiring opportunities without traveling far.

How to prepare

Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their résumé, dress in business‑casual attire and research the participating employers ahead of time. COCC’s career services office offers free résumé workshops on the weeks leading up to the event, reinforcing the college’s commitment to equipping families with the tools they need for economic stability.

Community impact

Local officials have praised the JobFest as a practical response to the region’s workforce needs. By linking employers directly with qualified candidates, the event supports the traditional family model of a steady household income while reinforcing the community’s core values of hard work and personal responsibility.

For more information, visit COCC’s website or call the career services office at (541) 555‑1234.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.