LIHUE — Cherie Cabading took a summer job after high school.
Twelve years later, Cabading is the human resources manager for the Times Supermarket/Big Save stores Kauai.
“I just took a summer job after high school,” Cabading said, using herself as an example of the opportunities that are available with jobs. “I’ve been with Times for 12 years, now after Times acquired the Big Save stores. I started out as a summer job, but now, it’s my career.”
Cabading represents one of the employers, Times Supermarkets being one of several Kukui Grove Center tenants, that will be available Saturday when the Career Expo opens from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. throughout the shopping center.
Joining Times Supermarkets, Ross Dress for Less, Genki Sushi USA, and Macy’s are some of the employers seeking candidates looking for employment.
“Macy’s wanted to be part of the expo, but is also hosting a national hiring day Saturday,” said Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, events coordinator for Kukui Grove. “They are low on staffing so they’ll be inside the store.”
Other community groups joining the lineup of companies offering opportunities include 7-Eleven Hawaii, Aqua Engineers, Avis Budget Group, the Foodland Super Markets, Food Pantry, Hawaii Family Dental, Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, Hawaiian Airlines, HiEmployment, Kamehameha Schools, the Kauai Police Department, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Maui Divers Jewelry, Polynesian Adventure Tours, Securitas, and more.
Additionally, Kukui Grove Center just added a new feature to its website — jobs — where if any of the tenant merchants have positions available, it will be found in this section.
“We have at least five job openings from each of our stores,” Cabading said. “Additionally, we’re renovating the Lihue store and are adding nine new positions including prep cooks, line cooks, assistant kitchen manager, pastry specialist, and lead pastry specialist as part of the renovation plans. Overall, I think we have about 30 job openings.”
Cabading said while most of the employers offering positions have online capabilities of filling out application forms and employment inquiries, but the advantage of visiting the expo in person is the ability to speak to someone about the company.
“I recently did a job fair where it was not the job, but the benefits being offered that caught the eye of the prospective employee,” Cabading said. “These are things you find when you visit in person. Rate of pay is important to almost everyone, and what is equally important are company benefits.”
She said she started at an entry level position, and because of her employer promoting from within its ranks, was gradually able to work her way to her current position. Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, in his numerous appearances, also speaks of the invaluable learning and being trained while working in the ranks of the Big Save stores.
“This is a good company,” Cabading said. “They care about their employees. One of these examples is the wellness program where employees have incentives toward being well. These are some of why people need to visit career expos. It’s not just about a job, it’s about what is out there for the future. I love my job, and I love the company I work for.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
