Manteca Trailer & RV needs 10 to 20 workers.

5.11 Tactical is struggling to fill positions at its massive worldwide distribution center in Manteca.

They are just two of the businesses pressed to fill worker vacancies that are looking for future employees at the Manteca Chamber of Commerce job fair Thursday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Emory in Lincoln Center next to Hafer’s on West Yosemite Avenue.

The timing couldn’t be better as the extra pandemic unemployment benefits run out in the coming days.

“People will be lining up for jobs when the extra benefits run out,” Manteca Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joann Beattie predicted.

Businesses have had a difficult time securing workers due to the extra unemployment benefits. Many cannot run full shifts while others have modified their business due to the manpower shortage. That includes some restaurants that have been forced to close one or two days a week or drop breakfast service.

Employers will have an advantage by participating in the job fair. That’s because WorkNet has partnered with the chamber. WorkNet is working directly with regional colleges to target students looking for jobs that can meet the basic skills sets that particpating emplpoyers say they are looking for in workers.

Beattie said many of the employers are willing to interview and even hire at the job fair.

The event is open to non-chamber members as well. Space is limited. There is no charge to employers or participants.

The sooner applications for space are returned along with the positions employers are looking for as well as the number of workers, the better chances WorkNet has at securing qualified candidates to attend.

Employers wishing to participate can email Beattie at joan@manteca.org to reserve a table and be sent an application form.

Additional information can be obtained by calling the chamber at 823-6121.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com