Tulsa Mayor's job fair, helping teens find jobs this summer

Tulsa's mayor says the tough economy shouldn't stop teenagers from looking for work this summer. <br><br>Bill LaFortune kicked off the annual job fair that helps connect young people with jobs.

Tuesday, March 4th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa's mayor says the tough economy shouldn't stop teenagers from looking for work this summer.

Bill LaFortune kicked off the annual job fair that helps connect young people with jobs. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says it's still early in his career - but compared to most people his age - Tony Parks is a veteran employee. He's got three years under his belt at QuikTrip and in that time he's advanced through the ranks. "I've been here 3 years, it will be 4 in June, and I train new hires that come in, new hires.â€

Tony got his job with QuikTrip through the Mayor's job program - which helps connect young people with employers looking to hire. The program is 15 years old - and has been handed down to Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune. â€œThat's a total of 4,706 youth served by this program last year."

The mayor says about 40% of those looking for work find it through the program - either at a one day job fair - or through an employment office at Promenade Mall. All sorts of jobs are available - and some of Tulsa's biggest companies say despite the economy - they are hiring.

For Tony Parks - a stop at the job fair four years ago paid off. "I didn't think I was going to stay with it, just something for summer, but it's great and I stuck with it."

The job fair this year is April 5th at the Tulsa Convention Center. April 15th is when the employment office opens at Promenade Mall on the upper level.