By Kenneth Thompson

Staff writer

More than 500 people visited the Callaway Center of West Georgia Technical College Thursday afternoon for a job fair and career expo featuring several universities, military recruiters, and numerous employers, including two Kia supplier plants.

Out of the 25 employers present at the 2009 Career Expo and Job Fair from 1 to 4 p.m., GLOVIS and Powertech America drew the most attention, director of WGT career services director Frances Folds said.

“The main attractions so far have been Powertech and GLOVIS.” Folds said. “The biggest difference between last year and this year would have to be the number of employers here. We had around 50 last year compared to 25 this year. But as far as the applicants go, we have received more highly qualified and skilled people than usual.”

Glovis, an auto parts and inventory management provider to the KMMG assembly line, accepted applications for several positions, including consolidation team members, quality specialists and supervisors at varying pay rates.

“We have had some really qualified applicants so fat,” GLOVIS human resources specialist Pam Cole said. “Anyone interested can apply through the Department of Labor. We will be filling around 100 positions throughout the year.”

Powertech, an auto transmission supplier, accepted applications for nearly 40 positions, including managers, skilled engineers and supervisors.

In addition to the Kia supplier plants, representatives from Kelly Services, Twin Cedars, Express Employment Pros, West Georgia Health System, Randolph Medical Center, Tanner Health System, AFLAC, Columbus Police Department, Aerotek, American Home Shield, ResourceMFG, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Consumer Credit Counseling, Princess Parties Spa, University of Phoenix, LaGrange police, Columbus police, Richmont Graduate University, Columbus State University, Troy University, Vocational Rehabilitation, the US Army and Navy, Devry University, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Douglas County School System and AFLAC.

Last year’s career Expo and Job Fair featured around 50 employers and fewer applicants, Folds said. “I think fewer number of employers here is a reflection of the economic times that we are in,” Folds said. “There are definitely less employers hiring and more people seeking jobs lately.”

Prior to the Job Fair, some 250 middle school students from Troup County Schools attended the Career Expo portion of the event.

“Career Expo serves students in three major ways,” said Janet Greer, director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education for Troup County Schools. “They experience first-hand what a career fair or job fair looks like so that when it is time for them to search for a job, they will be familiar and comfortable with the process. Secondly, students will gain valuable exposure to the world of work opportunities right here in our community with time to interact one-on-one with employers. And finally, the day will assist students in the process of finding what career choices appeal to them and the educational and licensing requirements for those jobs.”