 Welcome to Restaurants of Hawaii on Think Tech Hoy. I'm your host, Siobhan Garcia, the executive assistant for the Hoy Restaurant Association. I am filling in today for our lovely executive director, Cheryl Matsuoka. Twice a month, we discuss important and timely topics centered around our Hoy food service industry. Today we are talking with Mark Menard, business services coordinator for the American Job Center. Ramon Ruiz, who is the local veterans employment representative at the workforce development division. Today our discussion is about our free, yes, you heard that right, free hiring fair. The American Job Center has been very gracious to give the Hoy Restaurant Association 30 tables at its upcoming hiring fair on Tuesday, October 11th at the Dole Canary. So before we get started, I would like to give our guests an opportunity to introduce themselves and tell us a little bit about them. We'll go ahead and start with our veteran, Mark, who is a veteran to this Think Tech. Welcome, Mark. Hey, Siobhan, thank you very much. Thanks for having me again. Yes, hi, my name is Mark Menard. I'm the business services coordinator here at the American Job Center. And it's my job to go out there and outreach to job seekers who are looking for employment. So it's also my job to go out and I'll reach to employers too. So that's my main mission is to connect the job seekers with employers. Well, thank you so much. And we're so glad to have you again. Ramon, can you give us a little bit of information on yourself and a little background? Sure, my name is Ramon Ruiz. And I, a veteran, military veteran, Air Force, 24 years. And I work for Department of Labor here at the American Job Center. My responsibility is ACA as a lever, local veteran employment representative. And I act as a liaison between our veterans that we're trying to get hired to the employers, employers in the community. And I try to find out their business needs, help them develop any business ideas and tie them into workforce development. And if they have positions seeking qualified personnel, then of course we have some qualified veterans ready to go. Well, thank you so much for joining us and thank you for your service, Ramon. Moving forward, as we were saying, this is a free hiring event, Mark. This is gonna save a lot of companies out there, a lot of money. As we all know, it's kind of gets costly when they're looking for employees. So, can you give us a little bit more information on the American Job Center and the goals and objectives for employers as well as employees? Yeah, sure. So the American Jobs Center, again, as I said, our main goal is to connect job seekers with employers. So we provide numerous services for that. With Ramon here, we do have for our veteran services and he'll be able to talk a little bit about that. And that is actually a partnership between the city, county, and the state. For services, for those people who are job seekers, we start with the basic services of just a resource center. So if you are a person who needs to gain access to the internet, to a laptop to do job searches, to register for higher net Hawaii, which is people who are familiar with enrolling into unemployment insurance that is a requirement. Getting registered in that. We have a resource center where we have personnel there that can help you with that for people who aren't too savvy in navigating the computer. And then we have somebody to help you with that. And those would be our basic service for those job seekers. But then on top of that, so if you're needing help with your resume, we have resume workshops. We also have interviewing skills tips workshops. So if you're looking to some good tips on what interview questions are and how you might answer for those interview questions. And then we also do have a basic, kind of a one-on-one tutorial on computer skills, just to kind of how do you navigate the keyboard? How do you get to certain sites that are often gone to when you're looking for employment? So those are our basic services. And then for those who need assistance. And again, since it's my group main mission right is to go out and outreach to employers. So those relationships that we do have with employers out there, we can help people connect to them. So depending on what industry you're looking for, what type of position you're looking for. So for example, we have a great, great relationship with the Hawaii Restaurant Association. So those folks are coming in that might want to find something in the restaurant industry, whether that be prep cook or if they're looking for entry level position, just starting off washing dishes. Relationships like we do have like with the Hawaii Restaurant Association that we're able to make those connections. For those individuals who are looking to maybe skill up and kind of spruce up their marketability as a job seeker, we also do provide for those who are eligible training services. So we can actually provide up to $4,000. We can provide resources up to $4,000 in tuition costs. So, if you're looking to get certifications, for example, some of the really popular ones are people looking to get their CDL license. If you're becoming a CNA, some IT is very popular now too, along with medical code and billing the healthcare industry too. So any of those certifications that you might need to make yourself a bit more marketable when you're applying for these positions, we're able to actually provide you with funding and assistance to do that. Wow, so I think I read somewhere, they say you guys are a one-stop center, is that correct? Yeah, so the concept of American Job Centers is a one-stop shop, right? So I had mentioned the partnership that we have with our state partners with the workforce development division. We have our partnerships with community colleges, with the department of vocational rehab, for those individuals with disabilities. We do have a partnership with unemployment insurance. Pre-COVID, we did have actually personnel here. We're still trying to get some of those pieces back as having personnel here. Again, in that idea of being a one-stop shop. So when you're coming in to visit the job center, depending on what your service needs are, we'd be able to either direct you, if it's education, right, to the community colleges, if it's unemployment insurance, unemployment insurance, if you're a veteran, right, to veteran services. So instead of having to send you to Punchbowl or downtown, our objective is to keep it here. And along with some of those services, we have a great youth services program that services youth 16 to 24, meaning to help them get their GED and also put them on a career path with different work-based learnings and occupational skills training. And then we also have a housing component where we work with individuals who are experiencing homelessness. And we help them actually first find employment if they don't already, and then they'd be eligible for housing subsidies. So all that is under one roof. That's really great. I think it's something that a lot of people don't realize that you guys are that large of a resource, not only to the employers, but to the employees who are seeking, whether it's a career change or just looking to see how they can get those new skills, as you were saying. So that's really great to hear. Ramon, I'm gonna move on to you real quick and kind of my question, I guess, is how does your services work in sync with Mark and his division? Well, I think that Mark and I, we've worked together for a while now and we basically mirror each other in some ways. We do conduct job fairs. We here at the American Job Center, but we compliment each other when we work with businesses and we try to find out their needs and we look at our programs. He has city and county programs. I have state programs and we're under one roof, like you said, one stop shop and we try to see how we can compliment the needs of our businesses out there. We do outreaches, we do build relationships and it is two part. I guess you can say that at one one side it's trying to help their business do better and utilizing our programs and we happen to have a personnel population group on our side. Here at the American Job Center, the veteran side jobs for a veteran state grant, under that grant, it states that we are to help a certain category of veterans, so not all veterans. If there's not a veteran that fits under the significant bearers needs type veteran then we have the employment services that can be assisted to anyone by Wagner-Piser grant here at the American Job Center. So the veteran side we help is significant bearers who employment veterans that has at least one of the 10 categories. They could be disabled or especially disabled, rating of 30% or greater by the VA. They could be low income identified by WIOA. They could be previously incarcerated. They could be ages 18 to 24 category. They could be someone Vietnam error. They could be someone getting out of the service due to medical. So in these categories that I've just mentioned a few are examples of the type of veterans that we try to assist as well. And we have what they call DVOPs, disabled veteran outreach specialists. They, what they do, they're basically veterans employment counselors. They do the case management with these veterans and they assist them one-on-one. And like Mark mentioned, you know, some of the things how they help, what our guys do is they will help with resume writing, resume building, workshops, you know, signing them workshops where they can learn soft skills, interviewing skills, what are they doing wrong or what can they do better to help them to get employed? So all of that are just focused on helping those types of veterans to find their employment and we've had some great success. Oh, that's great to hear. You know, we really have a big niche right here in Hawaii for a lot of veterans. So it's really great to hear that they have other resources other than just in the military aspect. So, you know, and a lot of these veterans that we're talking about, do they get, a lot of them already have training in certain things like Mark was saying, right? Is there opportunities for them to earn same things, different opportunities that they can to benefit their skills? Well, they're a transferable skill then you're very correct. Almost everything you can think of that someone is doing into military, you could find a transitional opportunity for them to transfer those skills into the civilian sector. And often we have some veterans, people getting out that they're under the impression that they could make the same amount of money or hire money immediately and that's not how it works. Sometimes in the transitioning, you're not just transitioning some of your skills but also you're trying to find a company that you can appropriately match those skills because if you still have some training and learning how to harness those skills into that particular company, then how can you earn that weight that you're expecting? You know, so you gotta be humble and look at your skills, which is very valuable but I'll still try to find a company that either values what you're having to offer or find a company that you can grow with and eventually get to where you wanna be. And so it's a win-win opportunity. So. Oh, well, that's great. And you know, what you guys doing over there is amazing, especially because with the staffing shortages, there's so many people looking for skilled workers and to hear that they have a place to go to be able to learn those new skills or for our employers to know that when they go over to American Job Center that they're finding skilled employees and that you guys have been working with them to make sure that they're ready to go out. So that's, that's awesome. You know, we're talking about our free hiring fair and Mark, obviously every industry is having staffing shortages but we see it a lot in our local restaurant industry. What are ways that you feel you could best help the restaurants in filling those shortages? Sure. Yeah. You know, and it's a story that's not, you know unique to us here in Hawaii, right? It's a nationwide challenge, right? For businesses in all the sectors. But you're right, you know, especially in the food industry and retail also, you know, we get calls all the time from businesses, hey, do you have people, do you have people? You know, fortunately, we're not a job bank, right? So we don't just have like a line of people just waiting, right, with tickets. But what we do have as Ramon has mentioned is we have all these different populations of people from different backgrounds. So, you know, one thing I do talk to businesses about because we're in this climate of shortage of workers or seemingly a shortage of workers, right? We're not getting those applicants that are coming through and following through is really looking at different employment pools, right? So not just putting it on Indeed or you know, one of these other job search sites of how we're posting them but really going out there and actively looking at some of these other employment pools. So, you know, Ramon mentioned, you know, veterans who come with a great background of different kinds of skills, right? You know, we work with individuals who are, for example, they've been formerly incarcerated, right? Those are also individuals that, you know, they do have a barrier in that they have a past, right? But they're trying to move forward but they do come with a set of skills, right? What they've done. But, you know, a lot of times that comes with some sort of stigma, right? But a lot of these individuals are just looking for an opportunity and, you know, for those employers who are open and willing to give, you know, somebody an opportunity to, you know, to fill in into a position and grow, you know, with that organization is something I think a lot of people are looking for. And, you know, also individuals with disabilities, right? We work with our location rehab, the partner location rehab, you know, all these individuals are looking to find positions and oftentimes they do run into these barriers, right? Because of my stigma or some sort of pre-preconception, right? But oftentimes, you know, these individuals tend, they can be actually your best workers, right? Because you're giving them the opportunity, you know, they're grateful for that. And they turn out to be the most loyal, most hardworking people for you. You know, so because we can help businesses connect with those types of people who are looking for employment, that's definitely a resource that I would consider for our employers. You know, having these job fairs, you're right, you know, some can be kind of expensive. I know that if any employers have had experience, you know, with some of the larger job fairs, it can get kind of costly. So us being, you know, a government funded community resource, there's no pocket costs to our businesses or employers, you know, we just ask that they come with an open mind and really, you know, take a look at everybody that comes down. You know, the other things that we can provide for our employers that kind of gives them a little bit of incentive or a way to help them with employing people is, you know, there are certain tax credits that they can apply for, right? So if they do hire individuals from different, from certain backgrounds, right? So a person with disability, veterans, formerly incarcerated, they can apply for tax credits. There's also something called federal bonding, right? So if there's something that does have, you know, a background, they can apply for a federal bonding up to $5,000, right? So just a little bit of insurance that a business can, you know, apply for, you know, so all those things put together, we're hoping that all that kind of culminates here in our job fairs so that we get people from all different backgrounds coming down. And so we're, again, it'll be on October 11th from nine to one. And so for those who are looking to come down, there's parking, there's validated parking at the, if you're familiar with Dole Canary across the street is the Dole theaters. Right above that is a parking structure. So we will validate for those who are attending $3 for the whole day. And then we will also be doing workshops. So every hour starting from nine o'clock, so nine, 10, 11, and 12, will be all alternating between resume writing and interviewing skill tips. So at nine o'clock will be a resume, at 10 o'clock will be an interviewing skills tips. And then again at 11 resume writing and at 12 interviewing skill tips. And we'll be actually holding those at the American Job Center. So also people who aren't, if they haven't been to the Dole Canary in a while, it's a good chance to kind of re-familiarize yourself with the Dole Canary. But we've been working with the Dole Canary to expand our space. So they've really, they've been really great working with us and letting us use some of the outside gallery of space, which is where we'll be hosting you folks. So they've just expand up to 30 tables, which is great because it's twice as much as what we've been using. So yeah, if you're down in favorite Costco, do some shopping at Costco and then stop by over here. We've got some, Dole Canary has some restaurants in here. They've got a little mini mart. If you want to go see a movie, there's also the movie theaters over here too, right? So yeah, we're really looking forward to this next job here because it's a great partnership with the folks at the Hawaii restaurant. And up to today, it'll be our largest one. Oh, well, thank you again. As we've mentioned time and time again, we're not the only industry that is looking to hire. And we've let all of our members and all of those who are subscribers know that the restaurants, the industry, everyone is welcome who is hiring. We want everybody to come out. And as you're saying, Mark, this is a completely free even down to parking, validated parking. It can't get any better than that. So... That's three dollars. Well, okay, close to free. I don't think you can go to any job fair these days and pay only three dollars. That's true. Wow. You know, I mean, and that's the thing, right? Is that you were mentioning like the incarcerated and all these other different avenues. And as we all know, restaurants, the industry itself are always looking for people with hospitality, right? And what better way, whether you're just starting out as a job seeker to go into restaurants or the industry. And as well as people looking for that second chance, you know, where it's such a great place to be. And it's an area where they can grow. And, you know, so thank you so much again. And we're really looking forward to this hiring fair. You know, we've talked about it a little bit too, but people can hire on the spot. So this is kind of like having those, you know, having interviews right there without having to schedule and take a different day to schedule out. So that's great. Is there something you would suggest that the employers bring with them to be prepared? Of the employers or the job seeker? Employers. So for all the restaurants that will have their booths there in the industry, what would you suggest they come with? Yeah, anything to, you know, maybe advertise their business. Really, you know, talk about, you know, okay, so here's the, as a lot of businesses know about this, right? We're kind of in, because of the job market, the way it is, there's really a wage war going on right now, right? You know, some of these places are offering, you know, starting wages at $16, $17 at fast food places, right? So it's hard to, depending on your business and the size of your business and what your margins are, it's hard to compete with that sometimes, right? So really come with your story of who you are as a business, right? Why would a job seeker want to come to you, right? And be a part of your organization? So I would say come prepared with that story. You know, what sets you apart from, you know, any other business, you know, what is it about your culture or what is it about your values? You know, above wages, those are also important to job seekers, I think. So I would say, you know, come prepared with that. Goodies and giveaways are always great, right? Pans are something that to take away, that's always good. But yeah, I would say the most important thing would be, you know, is to be ready to talk about why, you know, you would be a great employer. Yeah, that's great information because, you know, like we're saying, there's so many people looking that what is going to set you apart, you know, what is it that, whether it's your, you know, a lot of people offer medical and dental and all these other things, but what is it about your company, right? If it's something all your employees have started with you from 15 years ago and they've been able to grow, that's such a great success story for them. And I think it would entice somebody to want to stay and know that, you know, they build from within. So perfect information. Ramon, so you're gonna be part of this fair as well. Is there something that you're doing to market for to have, you know, a lot of the veteran foot traffic? You mean market as far as in what aspect? So that way, you know, a lot of these veterans, hopefully they'll come out, right? And we'll have a showing of a lot of them there too. Is there something that the American Job Center is doing besides just through the restaurants? Are you guys doing something to market to those potential employees? Well, at this particular job fair that we're having, which Mark is also gonna be at, we always try to market the resources that we have available for them. We always try to reiterate again what's available. So at one place you could be searching for a job. If you don't have a resume, then we could send you up to an area where we could help you access a computer and build a resume. And often we have some organization, nonprofit, you know, that may assist in review of resumes and so forth. And so you can get some help like that. So resources, if you're not prepared, then we could probably help you a little bit to present something to the employers. You know, we're always there to help them to meet new veterans that show up. But if it's veterans that we've already been case managing, chances are we already know what they're looking for. And then we know the employers, what kind of jobs there. And so we ensure that they come and then we can try to hope that they will engage with these employers and share their skills, you know. I know that you mentioned to Mark about what you would bring, what employers would bring. I think he really made a good point. What I would ask that employers bring is their readiness to engage. Readiness to engage when you get there because these employers, they represent the companies, they're the first face of the companies. And so, you know, how you conduct yourself and how you interact, you know, is very important. Sometimes people come to job fairs and they don't know how to, you know, begin. And so just engage. You got something, you came there for a reason. Engage with people that are coming to your table. You know, that's gonna help both sides to learn each other and start things going. Great information and thank you for the reminder. You know, sometimes we need, we need a little bit of encouragement sometimes where we're at these types of events to remember that everybody's there for one reason and one reason alone and that's to help each other out. So I love that. So, you know, we have talked about this. It's October 11th. It's down at Dole Cannery. I know you guys have some other things coming up. Can you give us a real quick overview of what the next things are in the pipeline? You know, Roman, I'll let you go first with your, because I think you have another one coming up, right? Yeah, we have October 26th. I'm putting together a hiring event in person and it'll be at the Kehi Lagoon Memorial and it's just right off of Nimitz. And we starting out with 20 employers. And the intention is we want to have employers that those that might be able to showcase remote jobs or hybrid jobs, we'd love to have you. And then of course we have most of them are traditional jobs. So we have employers with most traditional jobs, but you, this list of 20 are starting to build where it's going to be dynamite. I mean, you're going to have some companies offering remote jobs, hybrid jobs. You're going to have jobs from, you know, companies offering drivers, hospitals. We're going to have banks. We're going to have all kinds of jobs. And what people fail to understand is when you mention a bank, you need to know that it's everything you do to run a facility. So you're going to have, you know, besides a bank teller, you're going to need a facility manager. You're going to need a projects manager. You're going to need a lot of other things. And so that's the same with hospitals as well. So there's going to be tons of jobs. Right now we have 19 employers and we're waiting on for some applications to come back. We may very well go over 20. And if we do, that's going to be okay because we're going to try and find room for those. There's going to be apprenticeship programs. There's going to be people from the state department. We have DOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor. We're going to have Department of Agriculture. We're going to have the electricians, you know, union. We're just going to be a variety from apprenticeship, internships, state. We're going to have some federal jobs, you know, just a number of employers. So there should be a job for you. If you're seriously looking for work, there's something for you. There's something for you. Well, that sounds amazing. And as you just talked about, there's so many different industries that have back-of-house, right, sort of things that nobody really sees and forgets that those are what makes the company run. So everybody needs somebody like that. So that's perfect. And again, thank you so much to both of you for joining us. And thank you again for the opportunity for our industry to benefit from this. And we hope that in the end, everybody will come out. I'll win her for this one. And we're so excited. As we kind of close, I wanted to make sure that everybody remembers it's October 11th at the Dole Cannery. If you are still interested in signing up and having a free booth, as we mentioned, there is still room and there is still time. So please contact us at the info at hoyrestaurant.org. And we will also, if you have information or you would like information from American Job Center, we can make sure to connect you with either Ramon or Mark, who have been so helpful. And again, we are the voice of Hoy's restaurants and food service industry. If you would like to reach us to learn more, please email us at info at hoyrestaurant.org. Thank you again. Thank you so much for watching Think Tech Hawaii. If you like what we do, please like us and click the subscribe button on YouTube and the follow button on Vimeo. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and donate to us at thinktechhawaii.com. Mahalo.