ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Ohio Valley Job Fair drew a crowd to the Ohio Valley Mall on Wednesday.

Mike Schlanz, workforce director with Ohio Means Jobs of Belmont County, said more than 100 businesses registered, with some not showing up and others attending unregistered to offer employment opportunities to job seekers.

“We had a good turnout. I don’t know how many showed up, I didn’t do a final count, but we had over 100 registered,” he said near the beginning of the fair at 3 p.m. “We changed the time to 2-6 p.m. this year to see if we could get a different crowd.”

The fair included a wide range of industries, from industrial and manufacturing centers, to sales, nursing and transportation. Katie Bayness, human resources officer with Belmont County, said the county is looking for wastewater operators, electricians, nurses for the jail, cooks for senior services and summer help.

The fair also featured career exploration virtual reality goggles to give job seekers a chance to vicariously experience different jobs.

Barbara Korba, workforce specialist with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, said the Case Management and Employment Program offered through Ohio DJFS offers “virtual, hands-on experience” in fields such as welding, auto repair, health care and interactive training programs. She pointed out the welding simulation.

“It shows you what your environment looks like, your safety equipment, how you interact with the equipment, the welder, all of that,” she said. “Anybody can come — adult or youth — to any of the Ohio Means Jobs centers and try these out.

“You’re going to have a car crash. You’re an EMT and you show up at the car crash in virtual reality and you have to go through that process. I think that’s a little bit more exciting for kids,” she said.

Candi Noble-Greathouse, marketing director with the Ohio Valley Mall, said the retail center welcomed the job fair.

“We have a lot of employers here, and I’ve been seeing a lot of people either having an interview or applying in the locations, and I think that this looks like we’re going to have a nice crowd come after work,” she said, adding that the mall’s store owners and food vendors were happy to have the added traffic.

Job seeker Sam Ferguson of Bannock had made connections with WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital and Oglebay for cleaning and maintenance jobs and secured two interviews.

“I can do a lot of things,” he said. “I’m an honest person and a good worker.”

Sean Britton of Bridgeport was also looking for a position.

“I actually just moved back from North Carolina, and now that I’m back I’m looking for an opportunity in sales and recruitment,” he said, adding that he has had an interview. “I actually think it’s fantastic to have this many people around here helping people get a better opportunity.”

Bob Berisford, service manager with Bill’s Towing, was looking for potential employees.

“We’ve participated in this in the past, and what we’re looking for is qualified applicants, individuals that are truly interested in working,” he said. “We’ve had some success with hiring through this event. Hiring’s a very difficult thing these days.”

Jessica Wells, human resources officer with WesBanco, said the company has attended the job fair for many years.

“We have a variety of positions that are available, from entry-level retail positions to customer-facing positions and more back-office positions,” she said. “We’ve been able to talk to some people.”

Joe Weaver, safety supervisor with AB&L Concrete and Supply and HLC Trucking, said this was the business’ first time participating. It is looking for certified truckers, mixer drivers and similar employees.

“We’ve had a few potential applicants I think are going to pan out,” he said.

Ohio Means Jobs is located at 302 Walnut St., Martins Ferry and can be reached at 740-633-5627 and online at belmontcountyconnections.com.