In recognition of October’s Manufacturer’s Month, businesses from Osceola and south-central Iowa will be taking part in a unique event focused on local and regional manufacturing employment opportunities.

Osceola and south-central Iowa is a hotbed for manufacturing jobs. Skilled employees are a premium to employers like Salford, Altec, Simco, and Iowa Steel — all located in Osceola, Iowa – and are being pulled from an employment pool reaching from central Iowa to the southern border and beyond. With events like this for education and recruitment as well as the added value given to the local schools, the businesses look to build a stronger workforce in the area and grow with the community.

On Friday the 5th, with the help of the Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), Clarke Community Schools, and Clarke’s Industrial Technology Advisory Board, the businesses will gather at the Clarke Schools’ parking lot to serve as a student-focused education and job fair. From approximately 9:30am to 2:00pm, the businesses will be available to talk to students and give tours and demonstrations of their equipment right in the parking lot outside the Industrial Technology rooms at the high school. Students will be given the opportunity to meet with the businesses and their representatives and learn more about these unique career paths and what industries require for future employment.

“We’ve seen non-farm jobs in Osceola jump to over 4,800,” said Bill Trickey, Executive Director of the CCDC. “And we can thank these manufacturers for the increase in opportunities for our community and our future. The kids will have the chance to discuss how important manufacturing is to our community and how valuable establishing a future here can be.”

Below is the growing list of representatives and some information about each opportunity from businesses all over Osceola and Clarke County who will be in attendance:

1) Altec:

Altec Osceola Body Plant is a manufacturer of fiberglass service truck bodies.
Applications would be welcome for these positions:
Production Workers – Must be a HS grad, able to regularly lift 50-75 pounds and read a tape measure. Manufacturing or construction experience is preferred.
Welders are MIG and TIG welding steel and aluminum, must be able to weld from a blue print.
Designers must be proficient in 3D modeling for Industrial Design.
Visit us online at Altec.com/careers

2) Salford Farm Equipment:

Salford Inc. is part of the larger Salford Group which is a global leader in the manufacturing of tillage, seeding, and precision nutrient application equipment. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Salford, as the company launches breakthrough products. Salford Inc. is always accepting applications for new Production talent and is currently looking to add more Welders to our team in Osceola. Stop by to find out if we have a position for you!

3) Miller Products:

Miller Products will be there. We are primarily looking for CNC programmers and people who can set up lathes.

4) Osceola Foods, LLC (Hormel):

Osceola Foods, LLC has immediate openings fo:
Industrial Maintenance Mechanics, Industrial Maintenance Electricians, Electronics Technicians, Production Team Members, and Quality Control Auditors.
Candidates may apply online in advance at: www.OsceolaFoodsJobs.com

5) SIMCO Drilling Rigs & Equipment:

SIMCO is constantly looking for talented people with great work ethic to bring into our work family.
Positions Needed: Sales Person; Industrial Painter

6) Iowa Steel Fabrication:

Iowa steel is looking for welders that are interested in working a unique, engaging environment.

As the job fair grows closer, updates to the attendance list and information may change. Please make sure you check back to this feature regularly to stay up-to-date.

For more information about the Manufacturing Job Fair, please contact Bill Trickey or Elizabeth Simpson at the Clarke County Development Corporation, 115 E Washington St, Osceola, IA 50213, Phone: (641) 342-2944, email: info@clarkecountyiowa.com.