High schoolers: If you ever wanted a job, now is the time to apply.

After the 2008 recession, a lot of jobs that once were held by high school students disappeared.

“Many adults who lost their jobs during that time took even entry-level jobs” to get by, said Mike Postma of the Workforce Development Center, as he watched students and employers interact at the free Student Job Fair, held at Austin High School on Wednesday.

Ten local employers were there to chat with students, offer applications and answer questions. Postma said student interest is welcomed by local employers.

When the economy began to improve after the recession, one thing became quickly apparent: students who once applied for summer and after school jobs weren’t coming back into the workforce. Sports and other extracurricular activities keep students busy and some do not feel they have time for jobs.

It is a pool of employment that is needed, Postma said. In his job as a placement specialist, “I’m either finding jobs for people or talking to employers who are looking for people. And right now, I’m hearing from a lot of businesses — and they need help.”

But students, it has been found, are often not sure how to find or apply for employment. And that’s where a job fair comes in, he said.

“We went to employers to see if they would participate in the fair, and they were excited to get in front of the students,” Postma said. “Our only requirement was that they had to be willing to hire somewhere between 14 and under the age of 18 —and those you see here all have those kinds of jobs available,” he said.

From a workforce standpoint, connecting students to employers is important, Postma said, no matter how low or high the unemployment rate is.

“We think it is very important they get that first experience, that they get the social experience, working with a team … and know that working is cool.”

One student, Sergio, 14, said he was there to apply for work at McDonald’s.

“My brother started working at 15, and I always want to beat my brother — I am hoping I get in earlier than he did,” he said with a grin.

Dave Glosser, head of human resources at Hy-Vee in Austin, agreed that student workers are needed. With an employee force of about 500, Hy-Vee is often looking for employees and there are many jobs students can do. Glosser added that Hy-Vee is more than willing to work with student schedules when possible.

Chanel Bornhoft, manager of Walgreens in Austin, said her store is short about five to 10 employees and student applicants are welcome if they are 16 or older.

“We really want to get new applicants in, get them used to working,” she said. “They’re nervous, they’re not sure what to do — but it’s great they can work in a job where they come into their own; it’s fun to watch.”

As is the case with others, Bornhoft said she is more than willing to work with student schedules.

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce joined with Workforce Development to have the fair. Executive Director Sandy Olson said workforce development is “one of our priorities; we have a business education committee that reaches out to kids —so this is a good bridge.”