The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas hosted its third job fair Thursday for workers who have been affected by the recent layoffs in the aviation industry.

Alliance president Keith Lawing said more job fairs are planned into the spring, and he said there are companies who are anxious to hire for a number of job openings.  Another job fair is planned Thursday, February 13th that will be tailored for workers at Spirit Aerosystems and other companies affected by Boeing’s suspension of the 737 MAX jetliner program.   The job fairs will be held at 2021 North Amidon, Suite 100, near the Workforce Alliance office.

Lawing said around 2,400 workers have been laid off at Spirit and the company has indicated that another 400 may be affected.   He said there are also around 800 to 1,000 workers from at least 20 other companies who have been laid off as a result of the MAX suspension.

Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple visited the job fair and talked with workers who were there to find jobs.  Whipple said he has talked with officials at Newman University about ways to help affected workers, and area colleges will have programs to help workers who want to return to school and transition to a new career.

Whipple said the job fairs aren’t just for aviation workers but for anyone who is looking for a new job or education opportunity.   The city of Wichita and Sedgwick County have been working with a number of local agencies under an Air Capital Commitment task force.   A web site at AirCapitaloftheWorld.com/commitment has information on programs and resources for laid-off workers.   Lawing said the web site has had a large number of visitors and it’s making an impact.  He said the web site will be constantly updated with information on new jobs and resources.