Job Fair Connects Nearly 550 Job Seekers With Local Employers
By Wyatt Anthony, Public Affairs Specialist
COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia VA Health Care System hosted an employment job fair Sept. 26 that drew nearly 550 job seekers and more than 30 local employers to the Building 5 auditorium.
Veterans, transitioning service members and community members attended the event to meet with businesses actively recruiting. Employers reviewed resumes, spoke with candidates and initiated hiring processes during the fair.
“The job fair was a huge success,” said LaCresha Rankin Brumfield, VA Vocational Rehabilitation Program Manager. “We doubled the number of attendees from last year. Both job seekers and employers were excited to engage, and positive and hopeful energy filled the room.”
Brumfield said the Columbia VA hosted the event to address unemployment as a barrier to independence for Veterans. “We understand that unemployment can be a huge barrier in gaining and maintaining self-sufficiency, and this was another way for us to serve our Veterans by providing employment resources that may be helpful in obtaining and sustaining competitive employment,” she said.
She added that connecting Veterans with employers directly supports VA’s mission. “The answer is simple — we are continuing the promise to care for those who served,” Brumfield said. “We understand the importance of employment as it relates to mental health stability and even reducing suicide rates. Employment provides our Veterans with a sense of purpose and belonging that assists with their overall care and well-being.”
Employers also praised the event. André Bourgeois, branch manager for Recruiting Solutions, said his team was motivated to participate because of its commitment to supporting Veterans and their families.
“As a military retiree myself, this is a passion I take to heart,” Bourgeois said. “I understand firsthand the skills and dedication Veterans bring to the civilian workforce, and I wanted to ensure we were present to connect directly with those seeking meaningful career opportunities.”
Bourgeois described the experience as outstanding. “Veterans and other attendees came well-prepared, engaged, and eager to learn more about opportunities,” he said. “We met several highly qualified candidates whose skills and experiences align well with our current and future needs. We are optimistic about moving some of those connections forward.”
He emphasized the value Veterans bring to the workplace. “Veterans bring discipline, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic,” Bourgeois said. “Many also have experience leading teams and working in mission-driven environments, which translates directly to success in our industry.”
Brumfield said Columbia VA plans to build on this momentum. “Traditionally we have hosted our job fair annually, but with the support and need to connect Veterans to employers we plan to host job fairs more frequently,” she said.
For more information about what’s going on at the Veterans medical center, clinic locations, and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.