The Columbia Job Center hosted a community hiring event on January 11 in partnership with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI).
Over 64 participants, including two large groups of Afghanistan and Kenyan refugees, were in attendance. In addition, the City of Refuge and Catholic Charities were on location to provide interpreters.
Otscon, Inc., a manufacturer located in Columbia specializing in parking brake systems and brake pedals, hired 15 job seekers from the event. Most were hired as Assembly Operators for 2nd shift, while two team members were added to the welding manufacturing department, working 1st shift.
Jasmine Griggs, Onboarding Specialist with Otscon, Inc., worked closely with the applicants to assist them on their new path to growth and success.
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“We really enjoyed getting to know the new members, hearing their stories, and being able to take in the moment as a warm handshake,” said Griggs. “It is a great opportunity to learn and adapt to new cultures and hone in on the energy that can be used to keep moving forward that will bring them success where they need it. Whether it is for personal reasons or for their families, they have that opportunity to gain the skills that can move them up that ladder to a brighter future. And that is one of our goals here at Otscon is to have continuous improvement for our employees.”
Otscon worked closely with Columba Job Center Supervisor Nichelle Pool and Roger Brisley, Community Development Specialist.
“I’m glad that we are partnered with Job Center as they always provide us the information we need to bring in recruits without an issue,” said Griggs. “The Job center has really brought in a good team over the time that I have worked with them, and any concerns regarding the employees, I can easily configure a solution that works for everyone, and that is key. Communicating and keeping the production flow going really helps our teammates around the facility.”
Way to go, Central Region!