Raleigh’s municipal government hosted its inaugural Expo and Job Fair on Wednesday at the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, drawing over 1,000 registrations by the morning of the event. The fair, the city’s most ambitious employment outreach to date, gave residents direct access to representatives from every city department, as well as a range of part‑time, temporary and internship openings.
Expanded Opportunity for Local Workers
Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh said the turnout “absolutely shows the interest in city opportunities and hopefully that’s a sign that folks recognize this is a wonderful employer.” The city currently lists roughly 50 open positions, including 24 full‑time roles, and updates its online job board daily.
Among the attendees was Pamela Cannon, who has been searching for work for six months. “If they say they’d hire me today, I’d go to work tomorrow!” Cannon told reporters, emphasizing how the fair provided a rare chance to meet city officials face‑to‑face and learn about available positions.
Statewide Labor Trends Support Local Gains
The surge in local interest coincides with a broader improvement in North Carolina’s labor market. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in September, down from 3.9% a year earlier. The number of unemployed residents declined by 24,757 over the past year, bringing the total to 179,830. At the same time, non‑farm employment in the state grew by 67,000 jobs.
While the statewide data point to a healthier economy, city officials acknowledge that individual job seekers still face challenges finding roles that match their skills and family needs. The expanded fair aims to bridge that gap by showcasing the breadth of municipal employment—from public safety and utilities to parks and recreation.
Looking Ahead
The city plans to continue expanding its recruitment efforts, posting new openings daily and promoting future job‑fair events. Residents are encouraged to visit the City of Raleigh’s official website for the latest listings and application instructions.
With unemployment trending downward and the city’s workforce pipeline widening, Raleigh’s first‑ever Expo and Job Fair may become an annual fixture that helps families secure stable, well‑paying jobs close to home.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
