Cromwell hosts hope for new jobs

Cromwell, Conn. (WTNH) - Unemployment is expected to stay high over the next two years. But for folks, without jobs, in the Project Management industry, a job fair held today may help them get back on their feet.

It's been less than six months since the Southern New England chapter of the Project Management Institute held a job fair.

The last one attracted 125 people; 228 registered to attend today.

Linda Benedict organized the event; she also happens to be looking for a job.

"Everybody wants to work badly. That's probably the biggest thing you hear, you know? 'What can I do to get a job?'" Benedict said.

The Project Management Institute is a professional organization for Information Technology specialists and project managers.

In a healthy economy, they're a shining example of what it takes to succeed: education, experience and skills.

But for too many, right now, that's not enough.

Abby Kohut is a career specialist, trying to help people here, get back to work.

"I'm seeing that most people don't necessarily know how to do a resume," said Kohut. "So, I'm finding that every single person I've met with today needs help in one area or another."

There's was a sense of optimism at this job fair that jobs in project management and I.T. are coming back; it's just that they're coming back in a different way.

"Companies are obviously letting people go. Ad one way they can get back in the market and get their needs satisfied is to hire a contract person," said Benedict.

The new reality for this group of job seekers, is that a short-term contract may be as good as it gets for a few more years.