It's a growing agricultural industry that is actively connecting with people through a first of its kind job fair.
TRAVERSE CITY -- At a time when Michigan's unemployment rate is the highest it's been in decades, a growing agricultural industry could be key. That's what Traverse City resident, John Wilson is hoping for at least.
"I've been looking for a job for the last few weeks and nothing has really come my way so I saw there was an agriculture job fair," says Wilson.
The agriculture job fair is the first of its kind in the region. State senators and representatives along with Michigan WORKS! are sponsoring the event in hopes to connect the unemployed with an industry that's in need of workers.
"I wanted to keep my options open and look for whatever is available and also I wanted to gain experience in the cherry industry," says Wilson.
"It's an opportunity to showcase one of the industries in Michigan that is continuing to grow. Agriculture in Michigan is a $73 billion dollar industry and it's getting bigger everyday," says State Representative Wayne Schmidt.
Area fruit processors and growers are offering over 600 jobs including everything from outside labor work to management.
"It's kind of a new era with this rate of unemployment, maybe some locals might participate in working in the local cherry harvest," says Deb Vogel with Michigan WORKS!.
The job fair sponsors say it's a win-win situation both for the agricultural industry and those people looking for jobs.
"Bringing those groups together, workers and people who have jobs available is helpful to address the unemployment that's facing Michigan," says State Representative Dan Scripps.
"I know it's mostly temporary work but can lead to long term employment or management in the cherry industry," says Wilson.
The job fair also included on the spot interviews and one on one time with local agricultural businesses.
For more information on available jobs in the agriculture industry you can contact Michigan WORKS! At: (231) 922-3700 or 1-800-442-1074
