High Tech Connect, Computer Coach team up for 'a different kind of job fair'

First, there was the onslaught of cancelled events. Then, the rise in Zoom happy hours galore.

Now that the dust has settled during the coronavirus pandemic — and as layoffs continue to make their way through Tampa — two local organizations are here to help.

"Every company wanted to do virtual events, virtual happy hours and people were getting burned out," Zac Duffy said. "Looking at our calendar, there was one to two going on every night and people were already on Zoom all day. We thought, 'There are a lot of people that haven't worked remotely. Let's wait a month and as the big rush slows down, we can see what gaps need filled.'"

Duffy is the co-founder of High Tech Connect, which holds monthly meet ups focused on creating connections in the tech community. High Tech Connect has partnered with Computer Coach, a local organization that offers technology-centered trainings and classes. The duo created HireUp Florida, the first of what it hopes to be monthly installments of a new kind of job fair.

"So many people have been reaching out saying 'What can we do and what do people need right now?'" Duffy said. "I don't think they need more virtual happy hours, even if it may be nice to see other people. It's, 'What can they do to get that job?' So, let's bring our connections together, start small and go from there."

The first installment kicks off May 21, with seven companies and 35 participants. Those who do not make the cut will be placed on the wait list. Their applications will be reviewed, which will help the HireUp Florida team choose the best-suited companies to bring to June's event.

They wanted to keep the group intentionally small, especially during the first go-around, to ensure quality connections are made with those hiring.

"We always get asked this: We want to be a connector and help bridge the gap between the job seekers and hiring companies," Duffy said. "We’re definitely not looking to be a staffing/recruiting firm. Partnering with staffing firms allows us to connect them to more job seekers so they can fill roles for companies."

The groups will be divided into groups of five, that will use Zoom breakout rooms. Each group will get 20 minutes with the employer, before moving to the next "room." The seven employers are:

"It was not wait-it-out for other events to stop," Duffy said. "(We just wanted to) let things slow down and figured as this continues to go on, more and more companies unfortunately announce they're laying off. So, we wanted to get as many people involved as possible and also didn’t want to promote a job and then a week later they had to stop it."

While both organizations are located in the Tampa Bay region, the ultimate goal would be to expand across the Sunshine State.

"It's exciting — obviously we miss the networking aspect (of our High Tech Connect events)," Duffy said. "But it's not just us putting it together, it's the whole community so getting everyone involved is really nice. I think it's a nice way to ease back into it, and it's not about HTC or Computer Coach, it's about helping people get the jobs."