Health Care To Have Presence At Job Fair

A job seeker with experience in both construction and health care is better served looking for work at a hospital as opposed to a housing developer's office.

Florida's health care industry continues to show growth, even as unemployment reaches its highest levels in nearly four years.

Construction on the other hand, has continued its sharp decline, particularly on the residential side.

Expect those trends to be reflected during Thursday's 13th Annual Hernando County Job Fair "Opportunity 2008."

The construction industry for Florida declined by 13.4 percent from Aug. 1, 2007, to July 31, according to statistics from the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation.

More specifically, building construction has decreased by 11.4 percent, heavy and civil engineering contracting by 5.9 percent and specialty trade contracting by 14.7 percent.

Healthcare, however, increased by 3.2 percent. The industry has grown steadily since the earliest signs of the economic downturn in late 2006.

The job market also has shown recent declines in retail, financial activities and manufacturing, according to agency data.

More than 20 companies will participate in the Job Fair, many of which will be accepting applications from those looking to work in the medical field.

The Job Fair will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Career Central, located at 7361 Forest Oaks Blvd.

A significant number of the event's sponsors are health care companies. Representatives from Oak Hill, Brooksville Regional and Spring Hill Regional Hospitals and HealthSouth will be in attendance.

Hernando Today is the main sponsor for the 13th Annual Hernando County Job Fair "Opportunity 2008."

Other sponsors include Career Central, Hernando County Office of Business Development, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce, Oak Hill Hospital, HealthSouth, Capital City Bank, Coca Cola, Brooksville Regional Hospital Joni Industries, Spring Hill Regional Hospital, Government Broadcasting and WWJB.

Pre-registration is required. Resumes and business attire are recommended.

To register, call the Job Fair hotline at 352-200-3055.