New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today that a career and internship fair will be held on Thursday, September 25 at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community Center at 208 West 13^th Street in Manhattan.

More than 20 businesses, many of which are returning because of successes at the fair in past years, will be on hand to recruit potential new employees.

“Opportunities for personal and professional enrichment need to be available to every community if New York is to maintain a strong economy in the 21^st century,” Commissioner Rivera said. “We recognize that these young men and women face unique challenges as they enter the workforce. Through this event and ones like it, we can help prepare them for their futures. The message is simple: in New York, it doesn’t matter what your race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity might be - if you’re ready to work, we want to find you a job. These young people are equipped, able and eager to help grow New York’s economy and expand its rich cultural vibrancy. It’s the Department of Labor’s privilege to help them succeed.”

The event will serve youth age 16 to 24 who are seeking to start their careers. The attendees will have the opportunity to meet with prospective employers, participate in mock interviews to hone their skills, and get help on their resumes to increase their chances of finding employment. Additionally, space will be available for employers to hold on-site job interviews for any candidates they might consider hiring on the spot.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Labor for the second year on this event directly connecting LGBT youth with potential employers,” said Glennda Testone, Executive Director of The LGBT Center. “This is a tremendous opportunity for young LGBT people; they will build both their confidence and their skill sets while gaining real-life experience. These youth have so much potential. Through events like this, they move closer to fulfilling it.”

“LGBT youth are eight times more likely to be homeless than are their heterosexual counterparts,” added Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of New York City’s Ali Forney Center. “I am extremely grateful to Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Labor for making an investment in our most vulnerable youth through programs like this. The best way to help at-risk youth is to provide opportunities for education and employment and I’m thrilled to see our young participants getting those chances.”

The event aims to connect youth, age 16 to 24, and businesses under Governor Cuomo’s New York Youth Works program. New York Youth Works allows businesses to earn tax credits of up to $5,000 for employing eligible youth. To date, 4,593 young people have been hired to full or part-time positions through the Program. In addition, 722 businesses in New York have been certified as participants.

As part of the Department of Labor’s career fair, there will be also be a ceremony at noon recognizing 34 young men and women who have passed the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC) assessment, completed the Service Learning Project, found employment or been admitted to college. This ceremony’s featured speaker will be Alphonso David, Governor Cuomo’s Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights, and will be open to the press.

This event is one of many career fairs that have been held through partnerships between the New York State Department of Labor, employers and advocacy groups like The LGBT Center. Career fairs are one among many no-cost services provided to any business in New York State through the Department of Labor. Businesses may also take advantage of Jobs Express, Governor Cuomo's online jobs database, which currently lists around 100,000 available positions.

By using these services, an average business in New York State could save tens of thousands of dollars each year.

Estimated Savings for Businesses:

• Up to $12,000 on a staff-assisted recruitment event
• Up to $20,000 on a customized job fair
• Up to $6,000 per year on job postings

For additional information about upcoming career fairs and other events, please visit: www.labor.ny.gov/events.

For additional information about Jobs Express, please visit: www.jobs.ny.gov. More information about New York Youth Works can be found at: www.nyyw.ny.gov.