Published
Sunday, May 26, 1996
By Michael Roknick
Herald Business Editor
With a firmness in his voice but a smile on his face Cedric Hayes faced 30 12th-graders at Sharon High School's library.
As the lead employment-training specialist for the West Central Job Partnership office. The office helps qualified individuals get job training and funds for schooling.
While he encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to explore the world, he said they don't have to look far to find a job and settle down.
``There's nothing wrong with Pennsylvania,'' Hayes said. ``There's nothing wrong with Mercer County. There's nothing wrong with the Shenango Valley.''
The students were on hand for a job symposium for 1996 Mercer County high school graduates. The conference was sponsored by the Mercer County Job Center and the Mercer County Employer Advisory Council.
Students gave up a recent beautiful Saturday morning to attend the event designed to give them a head start at finding a summer or permanent job.
Hayes told the students of the Summer Youth Program where those between the ages of 16 and 21 are hired to perform general maintenance, such as painting, at local institutions. Eligibility for the program is based on household income for those who are economically disadvantaged.
Selling yourself and the talents you can bring to a job mean everything, speakers said.
In many cases, employers only want to see a resume, said Angela Lenzi, a job service representative for the Job Center.
``A resume is the first thing about you that sells you,'' Ms. Lenzi said.
She also told students about the option of applying for work with the Civil Service Commission. About 60,000 people in 36 state agencies are Civil Service employees. Another 7,800 work for one of 300 local government agencies ranging from drug and alcohol counseling to emergency management.
In order to get a job with Civil Service, applicants must take a test based on the job they're seeking. Tests are graded and applicants are ranked and placed on employment lists. From there the applicants may be called for job interviews.
She strongly advised the students to keep an updated job application on file at the Job Center.
A number of the students said the program taught them how to be better prepared when looking for a job.
``It makes you feel better that you have a place to go to when you're looking for a job,'' said Chris Martin of Sharon. Martin plans to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta or Youngstown State University. He hopes to become an elementary school teacher.
Latawna Pierce, also of Sharon, said she would make sure she had a neat resume when looking for a job. She plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania to major in computer science.
Melissa Ray of Hempfield Township said she attended in hopes of finding a summer job. She expects to attend Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, where she'll major in pharmacy.
``I already have a part-time job but I'm looking for something full time this summer,'' Miss Ray said.
