When it comes to the Career Life Expo, “more than a job fair” is more than just a catchy tagline.

United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region and Michigan Works! Southwest are partnering for the third year to host the event, set for 1-4 p.m. Feb. 26, 2020, at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. The Career Life Expo is free to all jobseekers.

Similar to a traditional job fair, the expo connects jobseekers from across southwest Michigan with local employers, who will be promoting job openings and in some cases conducting on-site interviews. More than 80 employers and 300 jobseekers attended last year’s event.

The expo is unique in that it combines traditional job fair activities with a wealth of community resources to provide additional support for jobseekers and increase their chances of becoming more financially stable. Dozens of nonprofit agencies will be on hand to discuss how individuals can access services to address issues that may be inhibiting their ability to work.

“We recognize that there are many reasons why an individual may be unemployed or have trouble keeping a job,” said United Way Director of Engagement Jamie Rugg. “Those reasons can include struggles with things like transportation, literacy, dependent care, stable housing or mental health.”

In addition, job coaches provided by Michigan Works! Southwest will be available to help polish resumes and prepare for interviews.

“Building on the success of the past two years, we’re excited to offer a positive and comprehensive experience for jobseekers, and a worthwhile event where employers can find the talent they seek,” Rugg said.

If you’d like to volunteer at the event, there are a number of positions open including traffic control, registration, jobseeker guides and more. Click here to sign up.

Transportation will be available, with buses running from Michigan Works! service centers in Kalamazoo (1601 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo) and Battle Creek (200 W. Van Buren St., Battle Creek). Pickup and drop off times are as follows:

Battle Creek – 200 W. Van Buren Street
Pick-up: 1:30 p.m.
Drop-off: 4:15 p.m.
(Depart Expo Center 3:45 p.m.)

Kalamazoo – 1601 S. Burdick Street
Pick-up: 12:30 p.m.
Drop-off: 3:15 p.m.
(Depart Expo Center at 3 p.m.)

Parking is free in the Expo Center lot.

Amerifirst Home Mortgage, Fabri-Kal, and Midwest Communications are sponsors of the event.

Questions? Call Michigan Works! Service Center at 269-383-2536 or careerservices@miworkssw.org. Get the latest updates at www.changethestory.org.