MIDDLESBORO — The Middlesboro Mall united with Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, Inc. on Thursday to help assist the unemployed in Bell County in their search for work.

According to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training website, the unemployment rate in Bell County is 11.8 percent — as reported in November of 2009 — which is one of the highest in the state.

Job fair participants had the opportunity to meet with several potential employers on Thursday, in order to get information on possible job openings in the area. Vendors also allowed individuals to fill out applications, and many provided information relating to workforce training for anyone interested.

Pathfork resident Susie Brock came to the Middlesboro Mall on Thursday for a day of shopping, and was unaware of the job fair taking place. Having been recently laid off she was excited by the various employment opportunities offered at the job fair.

“Actually, I just come out to do a little shopping and noticed all the opportunities around me,” said Brock.

Local representatives from Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) also attended the job fair to provide individuals with educational information.

Roland Cornett, a non-traditional recruiter for SKCTC, attended the event and spoke about his reasons for assisting the Middlesboro community.

“We have all this training we can give to individuals,” claimed Cornett. “We have a lot of special programs that we are offering.”

He explained that SKCTC was starting an industrial maintenance program in February. Cornett stated that welders and/or carpenters could earn career-advancing certificates through the program.

“And when they complete the program, they can work towards their associate’s degree,” declared Cornett. “You can take those and get a job about anywhere, or maybe even start your own business.”

He went on to say that SKCTC is offering a variety of classes for “dislocated workers” and laid-off miners, including mining technology classes.

“If you want to do it, we could probably train you,” stated Cornett, in relation to the many programs SKCTC offers.

“We have talked with a lot of people today, and there is really a lot of interest here,” Cornett added.

Steve Schneider, manager of the Social Security Administration Field Office in Middlesboro, helped in the organization of the job fair, and spoke about the community event.

“We have had a pretty good crowd so far,” claimed Schneider. “It has been moderately steady all day.”

Schneider said that he expected a larger turnout. He did agree, however, that if any individual succeeded in finding employment, then the day would be an absolute accomplishment.

Representatives from Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Walmart, National Guard, Leftfork Mining Co., University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, among others, also attended the job fair.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.