Job-seekers stay updated at local free fairs

Students aren’t the only ones who have to worry about tests and resumes.

With a shifting job market and unemployment on the rise, the Bloomington Lifelong Learning Coalition is reaching out to adults this week.

The Coalition and the City of Bloomington Office of the Mayor are sponsoring Lifelong Learning Week. Starting on Sunday, the week has already included two free information fairs for adult learners and job seekers.

The fairs were completely free and open to the public.

“We are encouraging people to get out and just explore some new topics, or a topic that has always been of interest to them, but they want to learn more about it,” said Kyla Cox, director of communications and outreach for IU-Bloomington Continuing Studies.

Monday’s event focused on job-skill classes that Cox said can really help people get noticed when they’re putting in their resumes. She said it is important for people to have something recent on their resume and to always be improving their skills.

“It’s really important that people who are seeking a new job will keep up-to-date on the career skills or job skills they will need for that new job,” Cox said. “Things are evolving ... there aren’t as many manufacturing jobs open, but there is a bright future in the life sciences.”

Cox said helping people coming from the manufacturing industry transfer into the life sciences industry is one of their goals.

She said their main focus is getting information out on the personal interest and professional development sides in light of the current economy and job market.

Miah Michaelsen, assistant economic development director for the arts in the city of Bloomington, said the goal of the week is to try to reiterate all of the different providers and opportunities that are available.

The overarching goal is to create a community of learners.

“Education doesn’t stop when you get your diploma,” Michaelsen said. “In this community there are a plethora of opportunities for people to constantly be learning new skills and getting new information.”

Michaelson said continuing one’s education is always important; however, it is especially true today with the current state of the economy.

He said people should be prepared for unexpected shifts.

“These are uncertain times for some folks,” Michaelson said. “You can have a flashlight, but it’s not going do much good if you don’t have a few extra set of batteries when the lights go out. Lifelong learning can provide you with that.”