06 May Amid Two-Year High in Mecklenburg job postings, NC and SC hosted Job Fair of the Carolinas at Carowinds to Provide Clear Paths to Employment
Across the Carolinas, the job market is hitting a historic mark. Last month, Mecklenburg County saw over 54,000 job postings, the highest single-month volume in more than two years. Yet for college graduates of the Class of 2026, these thousands of opportunities can sometimes feel out of reach, as they wait for responses to the numerous online applications they have filled out.
To bridge the gap and help with bypassing a digital environment of algorithms and automated filters, workforce system leaders from North and South Carolina are hosted the 8th “Job Fair of the Carolinas” on Tuesday, May 5th, at Carowinds.
The event acted as a “fast-track” through the region’s massive volume of openings. While tens of thousands of roles are currently active across the Carolinas, the job fair brought a curated selection of hiring managers from healthcare, manufacturing, and public safety directly to the candidates. With over 50 employers who supported this year’s event and nearly 600 jobseekers in attendance from across North and South Carolina, this year’s event allowed for jobseekers to network and interview with ready-to-hire employers.
“In a market this competitive, the challenge for job seekers isn’t just finding a lead, it’s getting noticed,” said Ronne Grantham, NCWorks Regional Operations Director. “The Job Fair of the Carolinas is about moving past the ‘apply’ button and having a real conversation. Whether you are a new graduate looking for an entry-level start or an experienced manager ready for your next step, there are opportunities for practically everyone.”
By collaborating across the border, NCWorks and SC Works are removing barriers for job seekers in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lancaster, Chester, and York counties. Diana Goldwire, Assistant Executive Director of Employment Services at the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce noted that employers are looking for candidates from all walks of life and experience levels. “The Job Fair of the Carolinas is a collective effort that supports local businesses and jobseekers of any age, including students searching for their first job and seasoned professionals. Employers are trying to fill available roles, so we are excited to collaborate with NCWorks and local partners for our eighth event to make it easier for them to find their next hires.” Goldwire added, “Together, we offer resources that help people prepare to enter the workforce and network in person with employers at a job fair that’s filled with businesses representing multiple industries, all in one location, immediately ready to hire their next candidates.”
A Wide Spectrum of Opportunity: This year’s fair featured a robust list of open positions across the public and private sectors and 55 employers. Recruitment was active for a diverse range of roles, including:
- Healthcare & Public Safety: Registered Nurses, CNAs, Firefighters, and Deputy Sheriffs.
- Skilled Trades & Logistics: CNC Operators, Welders, HVAC Installers, and Tractor Trailer Drivers.
- Professional & Tech: Mechanical Engineers, Financial Center Managers, and Senior Product Managers.
- Education & Hospitality: Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Event Staff.
We are grateful to NCWorks and SC Works for partnering with us to facilitate these direct professional connections.