On February 5 in San Diego, the California Assisted Living Association (CALA), in collaboration with national partner Argentum and Management and Training Corporation (MTC), will host the first-ever Senior Living and Assisted Living exclusive career fair designed specifically for CALA and Argentum member employers.
This inaugural event brings together industry-ready students, workforce development partners, and senior living employers for a focused, high-impact day centered on talent connection, career exploration, and real hiring opportunities.
A Purpose-Built Pipeline for Senior Living Employers
Unlike traditional career fairs, this event is intentionally designed with senior living employers in mind. The goal is simple: connect employers directly with students who are trained, motivated, and interested in launching careers in assisted living, senior housing, and related service-driven roles.
Students participating in the event include those enrolled in programs, along with participants from Job Corps, a national workforce development program that prepares young adults for meaningful careers across healthcare, hospitality, culinary arts, and operations.
These students represent a diverse and highly relevant talent pool, many of whom are completing coursework aligned with the skills senior living communities need most, from resident care and hospitality services to dining, administration, and operations support.
Integrated One-on-One Interviews Throughout the Day
To maximize value for employers, one-on-one interviews will be integrated directly into the day’s activities, allowing organizations to move beyond casual conversations and engage in meaningful, career-focused discussions with candidates.
This format enables employers to:
- Assess candidate readiness and interest in senior living careers
- Discuss open roles and career pathways
- Begin the hiring process immediately with qualified, motivated students
The result is a more efficient, intentional experience that respects employers’ time while delivering real recruitment outcomes.
Culinary Students Add a Unique, Hands-On Experience
In addition to talent engagement, the event will showcase another important workforce pipeline: culinary arts. Culinary students will provide lunch for all registered employers, offering a tangible example of the quality training and real-world experience students receive through these programs.
This element highlights the often-overlooked connection between senior living and hospitality, particularly the critical role dining services play in resident satisfaction, wellness, and community life.
Strengthening the Workforce Through Collaboration
The collaboration between CALA, Argentum, MTC, and Job Corps reflects a shared commitment to long-term workforce solutions for the senior living industry. By aligning education, training, and employer needs, this career fair helps position senior living as an attractive, viable, and purpose-driven career choice for the next generation.
For employers, it’s an opportunity to build relationships early, expand their recruitment pipeline, and introduce students to the meaningful impact of working in assisted living communities.
Learn More and Get Involved
CALA and Argentum members are encouraged to participate in this first-of-its-kind event and take advantage of this unique recruitment opportunity. The career fair will take place at the San Diego Job Corps Center, 1325 Iris Ave in Imperial Beach, CA.
For additional information, please contact:
- Denise Brandt, Director of Workforce Development, CALA at [email protected]
- Ashante Abubakar, Vice President, Workforce Development, Argentum at [email protected]
Together, we can strengthen the senior living workforce, connecting education to opportunity and ensuring communities are supported by skilled, compassionate professionals for years to come.