Denver Job Fair Successfully Connected Hundreds Of Immigrants With Potential Employers
Denver is currently accommodating more than 2,600 migrants, predominantly from South America with limited English proficiency, and has matched them with potential employers, according to reports.
The city is also actively seeking assistance to ensure the proper treatment of migrants in city housing, especially during the upcoming holiday season.
To address the need, the Colorado city organized a job fair at the Wellington Webb Municipal Building on W. Colfax Ave. on Friday. They aim to fill 150 positions with bilingual Spanish speakers, offering competitive pay ranging from $25 to $32 per hour.
This collaborative effort involved Emily Griffith Technical College, the Colorado Office of New Americans, and the Spring Institute. Approximately 600 immigrants participated in the job fair held at Emily Griffith Technical College on Wednesday.
"Specifically those who have recently gotten work authorizations - Venezuelans, Central and South Americans," explained Ryan Yates, the Dean of English and adult education at Emily Griffith Technical College. "They are unsure of how to navigate our employment systems. They may operate differently in their country. They may not speak English perfectly. So we have interpreters here, we have volunteers helping with the application process."
Interviews are scheduled for Friday, and the city plans to hire individuals on-site. Prospective candidates are advised to bring original copies of their I-9 documents, seven years of address history for a criminal background check, emergency contacts and direct deposit information.
"Wherever I travel around the city, people always ask, 'Hey, what are we doing with the migrants?' " Mayor of Denver Mike Johnston said in a Tuesday news conference. " 'What are we doing to make sure they have the resources they need? How can I help?' This is our moment for Denver to help."
