There are many great stories to tell in Nebraska.
Every school across the state has amazing things to share. In Lincoln the education moved out of the classroom during the Project Search Job Fair hosted by Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation. Hundreds of students with disabilities from the Lincoln area had a chance to test their skills, practice their ability to interview and talk with dozens of employers looking to hire quality employees.
For students like Chris Norton the event is a way to showcase abilities instead of focusing on overcoming disabilities.
“I found some jobs that made me feel comfortable and fit where I can go. You need a job. Life costs money.”
The event is specifically designed to help special needs students between ages 16 and 21 transition to the work force and it’s a win-win. Students were able to explore careers that fit their unique skills and employers were introduced to hundreds of quality workers. Embassy Suites has been working with Project Search for 5 years and have hired several students who interned through the program.
“Whether it’s housekeeping or the kitchen or the restaurants, they interact fantastically with our guests and with our other associates. They put a full day’s work in and they are just like every other associate that we have. They do a wonderful job,” said Steve Johnson, the HR director at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. This was the third Project Search job fair in Nebraska, and the first of it’s kind in Lincoln.
Organizers want to make the job fair an annual event.
For more information about Nebraska VR or Project Search, check out http://www.vr.nebraska.gov/