Many job opportunities and open positions exist for Detroiters who want to return to work.
The city of Detroit is making it a point to let residents know it is looking for a variety of talent, including returning citizens who may be looking for a second chance.
City workers were busy at a job fair on Wednesday (April 10), chatting with applicants and residents interested in job opportunities with the city of Detroit.
The job fair was about opportunities and possibilities for those wanting to enter the workforce.
“We definitely want to make sure that we’re trying to get Detroiters working,” said LaJuan Counts, Director of Detroit’s Construction and Demolition Department.
The opportunities include jobs for returning citizens or formerly incarcerated men and women looking for a chance at work. It’s something Counts said her team’s been advocating for years.
“Virtually everyone in the community is somehow connected to a returning citizen, one way or another,” Counts said. “It’s important to ensure that they have a means to be able to return back and give back to the community.”
Giving back through work with the city has been helping some employees thrive.
“I did some fed time and when I came home a friend of mine recommended me to come shoot my shot for the city,” said Ramone Watson, an employee with Detroit’s Construction and Demolition Department.
He’s been employed with the city of Detroit for five years. Watson said he’s been working his way through different positions and a recent promotion.
Watson explained returning home initially had been feeling as if options were limited.
“To a certain degree, yeah, because of my background,” Watson said. “I guess you’ve got to keep on pushing, man. Can’t let nothing stand in your way.”
Watson said he is thriving and feels supported in his department. The Construction and Demolition Department has several openings and is actively recruiting.
Counts said, “For us, it’s not only construction jobs. There are also demolition opportunities. As well as those trades. Those basic level trades. So, plumbers, electricians, carpenters. If you swing a hammer or turn a wrench, we are interested in having you.”
As for workers like Watson, he’s being described by colleagues as a rising star in the department.
Watson said, “You know how you feel like you’re doing good but just to hear somebody give you that, just tell you, it’s a good feeling. It gives you more motivation to keep on going.”
Workers say you could check with specific departments in the city of Detroit for a list of current openings or click here for a list of job fairs and employment opportunities with the city of Detroit and its partners.