DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Amid ongoing layoffs at state and federal levels, county governments throughout Florida, including Volusia County, are stepping up to bridge the gap.

On Tuesday morning, many job seekers came together at the Road and Bridge Northeast Facility in Daytona Beach for a public works job fair organized by Volusia County. The county aims to fill numerous positions, from entry-level to specialized trades, many of which do not require previous experience.

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Alan Ferguson, the field operations manager for Volusia County, who has been with the department for 27 years, stated that these positions are essential for maintaining the functionality of communities.

“Motivated. Trustworthy. A lot of responsibility goes with the public safety in our position,” Ferguson said. “It’s the support of the county, the residents of Volusia County, because all of our divisions take care of many different functions. Public works, from the roads to the utilities, to the three divisions. It’s central. They keep the community up and running and safe.”

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Job seekers were able to speak directly with hiring managers, submit applications, and even begin the interview process on site.

Andrea Carroll, a recent graduate from Daytona State College, said the job fair offered more than just employment; it offered purpose.

“Besides just wanting to serve the community, I want to use the talent and skills I’ve acquired to help people and make a difference,” Carroll said. “That’s the most important thing for me.”

Ferguson emphasized that the county is committed to training workers who are ready to learn, regardless of background or previous experience.

“If you have no experience, we’ll bring you in and train you from the ground up,” he said. “We’ll help you work through your licensing and certifications. The only thing that would hold you back here is yourself.”

County officials say Tuesday’s event is just the beginning. More job fairs are expected in the coming months as the need for reliable workers continues to grow.

For more information on current openings and how to apply, click here.