KAILUA-KONA — The long list of open jobs at Kona Community Hospital’s booth filled both sides of a piece of paper.
From maintenance workers, to nurses and physical therapists, it was an impressive roster of positions, which is why KCH was one of 50 vendors at the inaugural Career Expo Wednesday at Kona Commons. The hospital was looking to meet and greet potential applicants to fill their ranks.
“They see the long list and they’re always interested if it’s a certified position or not,” said Presley Isabell, hospital HR specialist, on people inquiring about the hospital’s open spots. Some of the positions did require certification, but some didn’t — nearly 50 were listed total. The interest and feedback he received by afternoon seemed positive, and one of the goals of attending the expo was to put in quality face time with a potential workforce.
“That’s the priority,” he said, adding there were a couple of other goals, as well. “It’s good if you can fill a position, too, you know.”
For job seekers or those looking to switch up their careers, the show was about learning what’s out there. Several guests said they showed up just to pick brains and come by opportunities they might not have considered before.
“I want to be aware of any opportunities to advance my career or find more advanced things I might want to do,” said Merle Minks, a Kamuela resident and independent contractor who came down to explore what was out there. He did notice that health care was represented, and positions open, which sparked some interest.
“I didn’t really have any expectations,” he said. “I was more interested in coming to talk to people, see what’s out there.”
Also exploring was Richard Cacal. A massage therapist who has also worked for 20 years for Walmart, he said he was looking for something part time, such as baggage handling for an airline, perhaps. Or perhaps he could pick up some ideas to start a business of his own. Either way, he was seeing if there were any career shakeups in his future.
“I’m always looking for opportunities,” he said. “I might start a business and see what the community has to offer or what I might be able to offer.”
Having worked as a manager, he added, he knows how difficult it can be to fill vacancies.
“It’s tough getting qualified, good, reliable people,” he said.
Some vendors agreed with that. With unemployment below 3 percent and at its lowest since 2007, potential applicants can seem few and far between in a tight market like Kona.
Michelle Conrey, regional manager of Altres Staffing, knows all about that. Her company helps businesses by providing temporary workers and she’s always looking for available people she can funnel to companies. By early afternoon, she had 15 application sheets turned in, and she was already having her people begin the vetting process.
“I’m making sure my people are (on it),” she said, snapping her fingers to indicate hurry. “Get on them, call them.”
There are a number of other factors that layer Kona’s economy, such as limited housing hindering the ability to bring people in. Still, the expo was a good opportunity, she said, and the first one she’s been to in Kona in years.
“It’s better to do something than nothing,” she said. “I think it’s always good to be in the community and get out there.”
The Career Expo was organized by West Hawaii Today and the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. Around 500 people visited the gathering between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the old Sports Authority space. The goal is to make sure the expo is a reoccurring event.
“It was a great turnout,” said Kelly Bolyard, advertising director for West Hawaii Today, adding some companies hired double digit employees by day’s end. “We want to organize multiple expos a year and we think, with the interest shown today, the community would be on board with that.”