LEWISTON — Doug Stone is back where he started.

Stone of Lewiston came to the Lewiston CareerCenter in search of a job during spring 2017. He was matched with a three-month course at Lewiston Adult Education. 

By July of that year, Stone was a certified nursing assistant and soon found employment at Russell Park Rehabilitation and Living Center.

Stone’s job has worked out so well, he was back at the CareerCenter during Monday’s job fair to help recruit new applicants for Russell Park.

“It’s worked out really well,” said Stone, who, on average, works 55-hour weeks.

“I go above and beyond what CNAs do,” he said.

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Twenty-nine employers were looking for hard workers like Stone during Monday’s job fair. 

“I have had great success here today,” said Beth Bowie, a substitute teacher recruiter for Lewiston Public Schools. 

Bowie said substitute teachers are needed for current openings and expected openings when the new Connors Elementary School opens in the fall. 

Lewiston substitute teachers earn $100 per day, Bowie said.

CareerCenter assistant manager Patti Gray said good employees are needed across the board. 

Demand for health care, construction and manufacturing workers was evident as prospective employees handed out resumes and filled out applications Monday.

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“Manufacturing is always a hot ticket,” Gray said. 

Roger Hamel of Lewiston handed out seven resumes and picked up five “good leads” during the fair.

“I am a jack-of-all-trades,” Hamel said. “I like using my hands and I work hard.”

Gray said she hoped to see 100 prospective employees walk through the CareerCenter doors Monday. 

“Numbers are down,” said Gray, who has seen more than 150 attendees looking for work during job fairs held previously within the past year. 

“Unemployment is down. There are fewer people looking for work,” Gray said. 

“There are good jobs out there,” Gray said. “It’s all about finding the right fit.”

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Certified nursing assistant Doug Stone, center, speaks with Tyler Morin and Morin’s mother, Liz, during Monday’s job fair at the Lewiston Career Center. Stone and Jo-Dee Brooks, left, were looking for prospective employees to fill openings at Russell Park Rehabilitation and Living Center. (Sun Journal photo by Daryn Slover)

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