Chicago State University student Terry Harris, wearing a stripe, blue necktie, entered a job fair at Thornton High School in Harvey with shining confidence.
The 23-year-old psychology major, who works as a part-time fast food waiter, said he hoped to find a job offering health insurance and more hours.
“I am not necessarily looking for a specific job with a specific company,” said Harris, who lives with his parents in Dolton. “The most important thing to me right now is obtaining health insurance benefits. I am looking for an opportunity that can help me grow as an independent adult.”
Harris was one of more than 700 people last Saturday attending the third annual Youth Job and Resource Expo hosted by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly at Thornton’s gymnasium at 15001 Broadway Ave.
The job fair comes as recent news reports show area young blacks, like Harris, are struggling to either find full-time or part-time work. Unlike Harrris, nearly 40 percent of black 20-24-year-olds were both out of work and out of school in Cook County in 2014, according to a recent report released by the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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In the south suburbs, joblessness also is high. A jobless rate of more than 60 percent of 20-to-24 years olds was reported in several suburbs, such as Harvey, Markham, Hazel Crest, Sauk Village and Ford Heights.
“Youth joblessness in the Chicago area is at record-breaking levels,” said Kelly, a Matteson Democrat, who represents the 2nd Congressional District in a statement. “Because U.S. economy is still recovering, summer jobs are tough to find. I believe it’s important that we work to provide more opportunities for young people. My job fair brought together many employers and agencies under one roof, making it possible for young people to apply for several jobs in one afternoon and link up with resource agencies that will help them succeed.”
There were about 45 prospective employers at the event, including Chase Bank, BlueCross BlueShield, Illinois Department of Transportation and Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, officials said.
The job fair was primarily targeting young people.
“Employers at this event were looking for both (full-time) and summer help right now,” said Mary Paleologos, Kelly’s district press secretary. “They need workers, interns and apprentices. Meeting and talking with employers in person is always preferable to the anonymous process of applying online. When you meet an employer face-to-face, he or she can see your characteristics; recognize your intelligence, sales ability or level of motivation.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield is reaching out to the younger generation, according to L. Marie Asad, community relations coordinator for BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois.
“We post job openings on our twitter page, which is something young people use daily,” Asad said. “Today, we are encouraging young people to follow us on twitter and when they see a position they may be interested in, they can apply online.”
BlueCross BlueShield currently has 100 open positions, including volunteer opportunities.
“A great way for young people to get some experience under their belts is to take on a volunteer position,” Asad said. “Future employers will look at their volunteer jobs as really good experience when looking to enter the professional world.”
Rebecca Ayiku, 15, of Dolton, agreed with Asad’s point-of-view regarding volunteerism.
“Most jobs want you to at least be 16-years-old or even 18,” Ayiku said. “Volunteering is a way to get you in the door and for you to be able to get some hands-on job experience.”
Harris said the lack of more work experience has been a major hurdle in his job search.
“A lot of jobs out there are only being offered to people with experience, and as young people, we often don’t have that experience,” said Harris, who obtained his associate’s degree from South Suburban College in South Holland after serving as a student trustee. “Employers really need to take a chance on young people. We are hardworking and dedicated and will make excellent employees.”
He said he didn’t find a job at the fair.
But Harris said he plans to stay confident in his job search.
“If I see another job fair, I will go,” Harris said. “I will keep looking for full-time work.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.