VALDOSTA – The South Georgia Coalition for Employment hosts its fourth annual job fair 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 25, Georgia Department of Labor, 221 S. Ashley St.

The Creative Paths: Employment for All Job Fair is a collaboration of the City of Valdosta and several area sponsors who have combined their efforts and resources to help reduce unemployment throughout the region, organizers said. 

The job fair is open to all people seeking employment, to include individuals with high school diplomas or general education diplomas, individuals graduating from technical schools/colleges and individuals with prior convictions who are eager to change their lives by entering the workforce, organizers said. 

Businesses with a need to hire people are welcome to participate. There is no charge for businesses and interested individuals to attend the event. The goal is simple: find jobs for people who need employment.

Last year, more than 60 businesses participated and met with more than 450 attendees. More than 30 people were employed within days of the job fair. According to the Department of Labor, the results exceeded other job fairs in the area. 

The fourth annual event is expected to bring out more than 50 businesses and an increased number of attendees, organizers said.

Organizers request businesses consider hiring people who may have a criminal record but are working toward building their lives back. 

According to South Georgia Coalition for Employment members, research shows 70 percent of people who are focused on getting their lives straightened out through steady employment do not return to criminal behavior. 

The job fair is not just for people with a criminal record, but there is a great effort to help these people change their lives for the better, organizaers said.

To register for the event, contact Ashlyn Becton, (229) 259-3548, or Tony McKenzie, (229) 333-2336 by April 22. Or email covhr@valdostacity.com, Abecton@valdostacity.com or Anthony.McKenzie@gdol.ga.gov.