COLUMBIANA – For the past six months, Chelsea Community Center Programs Director Jane Ann Mueller has worked to help those looking for employment at the community center’s monthly job fairs, which are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

Mueller said the community center first started hosting the job fairs in April or May of this year, after she recognized a need among both local businesses and newcomers to Chelsea.

“We had people who were coming into the community center or going to City Hall that were new to the area and needed a job,” Mueller said. “For me, it was kind of a win-win and, of course, I have the perfect location.”

Mueller said the job fairs started out smaller, but quickly grew in popularity through word-of-mouth recommendations and a little bit of advertising.

“I first reached out (to employers) and asked if they would like to participate,” Mueller said. “Now, they’re reaching out to us.”

According to Mueller, the job fair is open to people of all ages, work backgrounds and skill levels.

“It kind of covers the gamut from part time to full time, from an entry-level first job to an engineering position,” Mueller said.

While the job fairs have attracted people as far away as Childersberg, Talladega and Sylacauga, Mueller said the main focus of the job fairs is to help local employers and job seekers.

“It’s helping employers find local employees. It gives them the opportunity to talk to local people, and not just someone from 20 miles away,” Mueller said. “It’s for getting local people local jobs.”

Additionally, while many teenagers may not be ready for a job, Mueller said young people are welcome to come and hone their interview skills.

“If nothing else, talk to people and see what they’re looking for, so when you are ready to find a job, you already have those skills,” Mueller said.

Those who attend the job fairs are asked to bring a photo ID and a resume, if possible, and come prepared to speak to potential employers. The events are free of charge for both employers and job seekers. The next job fair is slated for Tuesday, Dec. 5. For more information about the job fair, call the Chelsea Community Center 677-2052.