The Vicksburg Convention Center was home to more than 50 businesses looking for employees Tuesday the Governor’s Job Fair Network of Mississippi.

Participating employers represented a variety of opportunities available for those seeking a job. Along with local employers including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg Police Department and local casinos.The field included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, trucking firms, car dealerships and colleges and universities.

As of 11 a.m., more than 500 people had already gonethrough the job fair, said Adam Todd, the director of the Governor’s Job Fair Network of Mississippi.

“I see a lot of good things happening,” he said. “People are filling out applications. People are very engaged with the HR people and recruiters from these businesses. People are definitely going to go to work as a result of today’s event, which is what we do it for.”

Between 20 and 25 job fairs are held annually around the state, Todd said, adding Vicksburg has hosted the Governor’s Job Fair for more than 10 years.

“About three years ago, we were doing between 10 and 15 job fairs a year, so we are definitely growing as more communities and municipalities learn about this program. We are getting many requests to come and show off and put on these events,” he said.

Most institutions participating in the job fairs represent local employers, Todd said, but some like the USDA offer jobs all across the United States.

Those attending the job fairs are naturally looking for jobs that offer good pay and employment that matches one’s skill sets. In addition, those attending also got a feel of what types of skills are needed in certain positions.

“One of these events can really be a barometer of what is happening in the economy, and you can see where trends are heading,” Todd said.

“I would like to encourage people that if you do attend one of these events and you do not see something that is in your skill set, or if you are lacking a certain skill set, get hooked up with your local community college or a local college. That is why we try to have schools involved [at the job fairs],” Todd said.