Massachusetts Virtual Job Fair Aims to Connect the Unemployed to Available Jobs

In anticipation of federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits ending Sept. 4 the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and MassHire Career Centers across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts announced that the MassHire: Massachusetts Virtual Job Fair will run August 16 – 20 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily.  

“The end of federal enhanced unemployment benefits on September 4 means that for 300,000 people across the Commonwealth, payments will stop,” said Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “We have amped up our services to help people find jobs and these efforts include the virtual job fair.”  

Federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefits that stop the week ending September 4, 2021 include FPUC, PUA, PEUC, and MEUC. No weeks after that will be paid even if claimants show a balance or remaining weeks.

“For those affected, it is critical that you begin looking for work now, and our Re-Employment Center and MassHire Career Centers are here to help,” said Secretary Acosta. “We invite the unemployed and underemployed to start with the virtual job fair, which is the state’s largest job fair to date.”

This five-day, free event is part of an increased effort to connect jobseekers to employers and more than 200,000 available jobs, and features general industry days, plus focused days in high-need areas like hospitality, healthcare/human services, technology, and education. Learn how to register, see a list of participating employers—855 and counting—, and view job fair partners at mass.gov/jobfair.

In a video that encourages jobseekers to attend the MassHire: Massachusetts Virtual Job Fair, Governor Charlie Baker states, “Massachusetts is returning to work and our Administration wants to put you in the best possible position we can to help you succeed.” 

The job fair will be hosted on Premier Virtual where jobseekers can video chat with employers, submit resumes, review job openings, and find company information. Training for how to register on this platform is available through MassHire.  

MassHire also offers additional resources for jobseekers such as weekly webinars, Thursdays at 10 a.m. running through September 30, training opportunities, career workshops, and more. Information is available at mass.gov/jobseeker. 

In addition, MassHire offers multiple programs for employers including weekly webinars, Thursdays at 2 p.m. running through September 30, Bizworks, Workshare, and more. Information is available at mass.gov/employer.

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