SALISBURY — Employers will meet with job candidates at a career expo from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Ministry Center, 220 N. Fulton St.

Several representatives will have displays and discuss information about their companies and job opportunities. Debbie Davis of Rowan County’s NCWorks Career Center said many employers are looking to fill positions.

Employers participating in the career expo and the jobs they have open include:

• Hankel: material handlers, chemical operators, maintenance technicians.

• North Carolina Department of Transportation: engineers, vehicle and equipment repair technicians, transportation workers, administrative specialist, driver license examiners, and program coordinator.

• Gildan: spin operator, can hauler, cotton openers, roving operators, card operators and comber operator.

• Hitachi Metals: machine operators and technicians and industrial maintenance workers.

• Trinity Oaks: personal care assistants, certified nurse’s aides, housekeepers, dietary aides, overnight caregivers and wait staff.

• S&H Youth and Adult Services: outpatient therapist.

• McLane: warehouse selectors, CDL-A delivery drivers.

• Defenders Services/Parkdale Mill: heating and air, roving utility, spinning and doffer trainees.

• Daimler (Freightliner): assembler, heating and air, e-tech and general mechanics.

People interested in the employers can fill out a form to request a follow-up. They can also provide resumes.

The unemployment rate in Rowan County is 3.9 percent, compared to 3.7 percent statewide.

Before the expo, veterans will be recognized with a reception at 3:30 p.m.

“We wanted a way to thank veterans for their service,” Davis said.

Davis said veterans will receive a sticker labeling them as a veteran so they will stand out to employers.

The hours of the career expo are different than in previous years. Davis said with evening hours, more people may be able to attend, specifically those who are already employed. She recommended that not only unemployed people attend but also the underemployed.

A preparatory workshop will be offered from 2 to 3:30 p.m. today at First Baptist Church fellowship hall. Salisbury Jobs for Life faculty will teach “10 Ways to Stand Out at a Career Expo” and “Know Your VIPES: Values, Interests, Personality, Experiences, and Skills.”

Davis said the workshop is “a good way for people to prepare for the event.”

Partners presenting the job fair include the city of Salisbury, NCWorks Career Center-Rowan, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College R3, Rowan County, Rowan-Salisbury Schools, Jobs for Life, Better Jobs for Better Lives Rowan County, Rowan Chamber of Commerce, Rowan Economic Development Commission, NextGen, and the Centralina Workforce Development board.