The Grossmont College Career Expo is sliding into middle age.

From recessions to boom years, one of oldest and largest community college job fairs in the county has seen it all, and with the support of the college and business communities, continues the tradition with the 41^st annual Career Expo set for Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Main Quad. It is free and open to the public.

About 80 potential employers are expected for the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event. Several college programs will also be represented to make the event a job fair and an opportunity to explore careers.

“With the jobless rate remaining low, employers are often challenged to find dependable workers and career fairs like ours are a valuable resource to tap,” said Renee Nasori, the college’s Career Center coordinator and chair of the Career Expo. “The Grossmont College Career Expo has a long tradition because of its wide breadth of opportunities to explore career options of many varieties.”

Public school districts such as the Cajon Valley Union School District and Santee School District, as well as private institutions including Altus Schools, Momentum Tutoring and Harmonium Inc., are looking to hire. Not-for-profit organizations like Able-Disabled Advocacy  that provides employment and training services to individuals with all types of disabilities, Easterseals and the Home of Guiding Hands that provide programs and services for people with disabilities will also be at the expo.

Law enforcement will be on hand with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and police departments for the cities of San Diego and National City, as well as a private security company, Allied Universal, will also attend.

The Armed Forces will be present, including the Marines, US. Army Reserve, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The financial services sector will be represented, in addition to healthcare providers such as Sharp HealthCare, Cambrian Homecare, Bella Vista Health Center and First Promise Care Services.

With the 2020 census rapidly approaching, the U.S. Census is looking to hire thousands of census takers, field supervisors and recruiting assistants. And with California joining in the action on Super Tuesday — the 2020 presidential primary in March – the County Registrar of Voters is gearing up by recruiting thousands of poll workers and hundreds to assist in other departments, including customer service, warehousing and administrative support.

To help job-seekers make the most of the career expo, the career center located in Building 60, Room 140, will offer several workshops on soft skills during the week of Oct. 7. Call (619) 644-7615 for details. Tips are also available online.

Some employers will interview on the spot, so applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and to bring copies of their resumes.

Nasori said the event’s primary goal is to link students and community members to job and career opportunities, but it is also a networking opportunity for college administrators and faculty to stay current on workforce needs, as well as internship and community service learning opportunities for students.

Grossmont College is at 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon.

>> Subscribe to Times of San Diego’s free daily email newsletter! Click here