Governor Hochul Announces 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Career Fair on Thursday, April 7

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the 22nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Career Fair will be held in person for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 150 businesses will be on hand to offer on-site job interviews with company representatives offering more than 9,300 opportunities.

"My Administration is laser focused on connecting New Yorkers with pivotal job opportunities that can set them on the path toward a successful career," Governor Hochul said. "Local employers need skilled workers to maintain our positive economic momentum and keep New York moving forward. I encourage all New Yorkers seeking new career opportunities, including those in the cannabis industry, to register for the career fair today."

This career fair builds on Governor Hochul's comprehensive plan to strengthen New York's workforce and economy in the wake of the pandemic. This seven-pronged initiative—outlined in Governor Hochul's 2022 State of the State—reimagines and overhauls New York's approach to workforce development by focusing on regional needs, creating and expanding access to career services and the jobs of tomorrow, and identifying innovative ways to build the workforce of the future.

New additions to the fair this year include a space featuring information for New Yorkers interested in upcoming career opportunities in the cannabis industry and a booth offering mental health resources and wellness information. Job seekers can also take advantage of on-site job search services, including resume assistance. A resource room will also be available to research employment opportunities and complete online applications. The event, co-sponsored by the New York State Department of Labor and the Office of General Services, is free of charge for both job seekers and businesses.

Participants are encouraged to dress professionally and bring several copies of their resumes. Businesses expected to make on-the-spot hires include:

• U.S. Census Bureau
• New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
• New York State Police
• FedEx
• New York State Office of Mental Health
• Six Flags Great Escape Resort
• U.S. Postal Service
• Attentive Care
• New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
• Capital Region BOCES

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Whether you are looking for your first job, a new job, or are thinking about changing careers, now is the perfect time to search. This is the first time we have been able to host the event in-person since the start of the pandemic and I am pleased we are able to offer you the opportunity to meet face-to-face with employers looking for all levels of experience."

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "The Office of General Services (OGS) is excited to host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Career Fair and welcome job seekers back once again to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center. We encourage job seekers to join us on April 7th to learn about a diverse array of employment and training opportunities directly from employers and their hiring teams. New York State's economy was hit hard by the pandemic, and recruitment events are a significant aspect of the State's comprehensive approach to recover from this downturn and build back a workforce for our future."

The Dr. King Career Fair is one of the most widely attended events in the region. Throughout the pandemic, the Department of Labor hosted or participated in over 65 virtual career fairs and customized recruitment events, serving nearly thousands of businesses and job seekers across New York State.

Those who wish to attend the fair are encouraged to register online . Space is limited - and turnout is expected to be large - so New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to register as soon as possible.