LEWISTON — On Oct. 20, the Diversity Hiring Coalition, Bates College, Lewiston Adult Education and the Lewiston CareerCenter will host the Opportunities for Employment conference.

The conference is intended to connect job seekers who may have barriers to employment with employers who are seeking talent for current and future job openings.

Job seekers will learn networking and job search skills and be able to meet with up to 50 local employers. Older workers, people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, and individuals with a criminal history are invited to attend this conference.

Employers will learn how some recruitment and employment practices may exaggerate those barriers to employment. Employers will also learn about best practices and lessons learned from other Lewiston-Auburn area businesses that have hired from those talent groups.

The highlight of the conference will be dedicated time for networking opportunities for the job seekers and employers. Job seekers will be able to learn about job openings and employer expectations. Employers will be able to tap into a valuable and underutilized talent pool — people who are ready for and want to work.

The conference will be held at Bates College; registration is required.

Job seekers should contact Mary at 753-9094 or [email protected]. A resume is required for registration.

Job seekers who do not have a current resume should call the CareerCenter at 753-9005 to register for a resume writing workshop. Registration deadline is Oct. 14.

Employers can register at http://cmhra.shrm.org/mini-conference. Employers can contact Amie at 753-6956 or [email protected] for more information.