The current unemployment rate in Kern County is 10 percent, which tops the national average.
Today, thousands flocked to the Rabobank Convention Center hoping to start work. This was the first time the Human Services Department held a job fair past June.
"We just know there's a high need. When we talk the unemployment rate...and that rate goes up, it goes down, but the reality is each individual person here today is looking for an opportunity rather the unemployment rate is one percent or ten percent and that's what job fest comes to provide," said the Program Director for the Department of Human Services, Brandon Evans.
Wesley Davis is one of the thousands who attended today's job fest. He is mainly seeking jobs in law enforcement, having graduated with a degree in criminal justice two years ago.
"I haven't been using it very much. I'm also in the military so that takes up a lot of my time as well," said Davis.
Even if he doesn't land anything, he believes it was beneficial.
"I think it was a good networking tool," said Davis.
Each individual had a seperate intent.
"I'm trying to get a better support system and support myself while I go to college," said 18-year-old Krissa Ornelas.
"I'm a dental hygienists and I've been subbing at different offices, and I'm looking for something permanent," said Olivia Garcia.
Marcus Dickerson also seeks new opportunities.
"I just got done with Santa Barbara oil spill and I'm just looking for another job, a career to further my opportunities in life," Dickerson said.
Nearly 150 companies came to the event in the search for the right candidates.
"I was kind of shocked at how many people were there and actually how many work stations you can go to," said Ornelas.
Although she admits to being a bit intimidated as one of the younger candidates, she says she felt confident.
Garcia also felt confident and came to the event with a positive attitude.
"A lot of jobs are filled in a lot of places, but I think there's something out there for me and hopefully this is the place I'll find something," said Garcia.
The next JobFest is tentatively scheduled for February 2016.
