Virtual job fair Wednesday aims to connect laid-off FCPS workers with local employers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - One hundred and twenty Fayette County school employees lost their jobs last month, and the city of Lexington is stepping in to help them find new ones.

The Bluegrass Area Development District and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government organized a virtual job fair for Wednesday. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is aimed at employees affected by the Fayette County Public Schools financial crisis.

When Kentucky workers suddenly lose their jobs, the BGADD steps in to help. Business Service Manager Rolando Thacker said the Bluegrass Area Development District, through the Kentucky Career Center, always provides a rapid response to employees impacted by layoffs.

“We want to make sure that we get those job seekers connected to employment; it’s important for not only the job seekers, but also our community and employers that are here, present,” Thacker said.

City leaders brainstorm solution

When the district employees were laid off unexpectedly, Mayor Linda Gorton said it wasn’t a question of whether the city would help, but how.

“We kind of brainstormed about what we could do to help them,” Gorton said. “Lexington has always been a place where people want to help other people, especially in a situation that is unusual or sudden.”

LFUCG Business Engagement Director Amy Glasscock said helping people in the community is part of their job. She believes the connections made on Wednesday will be a win-win for the workforce, as the laid-off employees bring strong experience.

“Any individual that the employer gets from these employees who have been laid off from Fayette County school, they’re going to be getting some amazing employees,” Glasscock said.

More than 20 employers participating

The laid-off employees are invited to join the virtual job fair to explore openings with local companies. Job seekers can click on a virtual booth to learn more about a company and their openings, which could lead to a formal interview process.

Thacker said more than 20 employers have signed up to help get the school district employees back in the local workforce.

“Different sectors: education, transportation, health care, construction, manufacturing, so there’s a lot of great opportunities for everyone to participate,” Thacker said.

Employers and job seekers can still register for Wednesday’s virtual job fair.