West Jefferson Second Chance Hiring Fair Draws Massive Crowd, Hope, and New Opportunities

On Thursday, November 13, 2025 the Bessemer Civic Center was filled wall-to-wall with energy, determination, and a real sense of hope as thousands of job seekers made their way into the West Jefferson “Second Chance” Hiring Fair — an event focused on removing barriers and opening doors for individuals pursuing employment, stability, and a fresh start.

Hosted twice a year and rapidly growing in impact, the event delivered on its mission. By mid-morning, hundreds of cars packed the parking lot, and inside, long lines stretched from the lobby up to the second floor as applicants met with employers, gathered resources, and submitted resumes.

One of the most active employers on site was US Pipe, which conducted on-the-spot interviews and collected applications from a constant stream of candidates eager to join their workforce.

A Mission Bigger Than Jobs

One of the event’s strongest voices came from Hon. Lynneice O. Washington, who made history as the first African American woman elected District Attorney in the State of Alabama. Speaking with Urbanham, she emphasized that the hiring fair is not only about employment, but about transformation.

Sharing her perspective from years of community work, DA Washington said:

“What we have today is a second chance hiring fair. As you see, we have a number of employers, we have a number of job seekers, and we have a number of resource providers here to make a complete life for you.”

“We do this twice a year. In June we had over 1,200 people, and I think today we may have exceeded that number.”

Her remarks highlighted the fair’s purpose:
to reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and restore pathways to economic independence.

“In these challenging economic times and employment uncertainties, we are making a direct impact in this community by bringing employers and job seekers together.”

“We can reduce recidivism as well as allow people the economic freedom to take care of themselves and their families. It’s an honor to do this.”

Washington also expressed her appreciation for US Pipe and other participating employers:

“I’m so thankful to US Pipe and the number of vendors here who make this possible, to change our community for the better.”

Employers, Resources, and Real Momentum

Beyond US Pipe, the hiring fair featured a wide range of companies and resource providers offering:

• Immediate interviews
• Resume support
• Re-entry assistance
• Skills training programs
• Workforce readiness services

The combination of employers, nonprofits, and government agencies created a full support ecosystem — exactly what job seekers need when rebuilding or restarting careers.

A Community Turning the Page

With participation exceeding over 1,200 attendees, this Second Chance Hiring Fair reflects a powerful trend: the West Jefferson region is leaning into opportunity, equity, and economic revitalization.

The Bessemer Civic Center was filled not just with people, but with momentum — a sense that the community is writing a new chapter where past barriers don’t define future success.

Urbanham will continue following this initiative and spotlighting the people, companies, and leaders driving change across Jefferson County.

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