ASH FLAT, Ark. — Employers from across the region will gather Friday at Ozarka College’s Ash Flat campus for a career fair aimed at connecting local residents with job opportunities.
The event, hosted in partnership with Northeast Arkansas Local Launch and the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Authority, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the college’s front building.
Graycen Bigger, executive director of NEA Intermodal, said the career fair is designed to address the demand for skilled workers in Sharp County and surrounding areas while highlighting opportunities available close to home. Many local industries rely on employees trained at Ozarka College and similar institutions.
“Not only are we making sure that people understand what’s available, but we’re also ensuring that young people, whether they’re in higher education or K-12, know there are great careers here locally,” Bigger stated.
Sharp County, though rural, serves as a regional hub for industry, commercial businesses, and healthcare—the county’s largest sector. Bigger noted that hosting a job fair in Ash Flat allows employers to meet local talent face-to-face without requiring job seekers to travel far to find employment opportunities.
In addition to networking with employers, the career fair will provide resources for job seekers looking to improve their professional skills. Representatives from various organizations will assist attendees with resume building, interview techniques, and other essential soft skills.
“For anyone nervous about getting back into the workforce or creating a resume from scratch, this is an excellent opportunity to seek guidance,” Bigger said.
Participating employers include the National Guard and the sheriff’s offices of Sharp and Izard Counties, as well as various trade-based organizations actively seeking qualified candidates.
Bigger encouraged job seekers to prepare for the event by dressing professionally, as they would for a formal job interview.
The career fair is open to the public and provides a unique chance for residents to explore the wide array of employment opportunities available in the region.