(Washington, DC)  More than 500 Washington area residents attended the Department of Employment Services’ (DOES) Construction Career and Information Fair at the DC National Guard Armory today.  The fair, which was co-sponsored with Clark/Hunt/Smoot, A Joint Venture, the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, the Stadium Project Labor Agreement Task Force, and the Washington, DC Building Trades Council attracted more than fourteen (14) unions, ten (10) subcontractors, as well as local training providers and other city government agencies.  Job applicants had the unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with union representatives about job and career training as well as apply for current and upcoming job openings.

“I am extremely pleased with the turnout we had today,” said the Department of Employment Services Interim Director Susan O. Gilbert.  “This career and information fair is truly indicative of how our agency works to serve District residents.  Through our business and community partnerships, we are able to connect our citizens to employers who are hiring or to training organizations who can further prepare them for the workforce.”

Union representatives in attendance were Reinforcing Rodmen Local 201; Asbestos Workers Local 24; Bricklayers & Allied Crafts Local #1; Iron works Local #5; Sprinkler Fitters Local #669; Plumbers Local #5; Operating Engineers Local #77; Roofers and Waterproofers Local #30; Sheet Metal Workers Local #100; IBEW Local #26; Steamfitters Local #602; Laborers Local #657; Elevator constructors Local #10; and Painter District Council #51.

Clark Concrete, Regional Contracting, Ft. Myer, Dynamic Concepts, Truland Systems, HOK, Tech Inc., Titus, F&L, and Urban Service Systems were among the subcontractors invited to the event. The career fair also attracted training providers such as Crown Corr, Earth Conservation Corps, OIC/DC, and Imagine Photography – all having the opportunity to disseminate information about their programs.  The DOES Office of Apprenticeship and Training received requests from more than 200 residents interested in learning more about apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in the District of Columbia. 

District agencies in attendance included the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Department of Small and Local Business Development, and the Office of Aging.  “Our collaboration with other District agencies in this and upcoming career fairs,” said Ms. Gilbert, “offers our constituents a comprehensive menu of support services.  We believe that furnishing workers with the tools necessary to become gainfully employed often goes beyond the services of one agency.” 

The DC Department of Employment Services plans, develops, and delivers employment-related services to all segments of the Washington, DC community.  For more information on our services, call (202) 724-7000 or visit does.dc.gov.