The sun is back, the ice is melting, and the annual Peninsula Job Fair is right around the corner.

Every year, the Peninsula Job Center and the Peninsula Clarion come together with local businesses to give employers and job seekers an opportunity to connect with one another.

The event will take place on Thursday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex and feature almost 60 employers, training providers and educators representing industries such as health care, retail, seafood, law enforcement and the military.

Hanah Burrell, business connections specialist for the Peninsula Job Center, described the job fair as a “one-stop shop” for participants to meet business representatives in person, shake their hands, learn about what their businesses need, and potentially even get an on-the-spot interview.

While the event mainly draws those who are looking for employment, others can benefit from the education and training made available by the different vendors. Burrell said that it’s also a great opportunity for local high school students to learn about potential summer employment. Last year’s job fair saw more than 700 attendees and 45 vendors participate, Burrell said.

The Job Center and the Clarion have organized this year’s event with the help of Soldotna Parks and Recreation staff, and the job fair is also supported by the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce.

For more information about the Job Fair and other services provided by the Peninsula Job Center, call (907)-335-3010.