Whether they are exploring full-time careers, seeking summer employment, or returning to the workforce after a hiatus, jobseekers from Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, and Fort St. James met employers from over 30 organizations of the region on June 14.
This year’s Vanderhoof Job Fair hosted representation from various sectors, including local natural resource companies, retail businesses, educational institutions, social services, as well as law enforcement such as the RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces.
Though hiring may not take place right away, it’s a chance for employers to discuss job descriptions and criteria with prospective employees, explained event organizer Aash Talwar of Progressive Employment Services.
“It’s a great networking opportunity for people to look for work, talk to the employer face to face, and find expectations of the employers,” Talwar said. “At the same time, employers can also find potential talent for their business.”
With the return of the job fair this year — the last event took place over four years ago — the company looks to build on its success and provide an annual networking event.
“With feedback from job seekers and employers, we’ll see what works and what doesn’t,” he said. “We hope to make it bigger or longer next year, to take place at the end of March in time for summer recruitment.”
For Veolia Fort Green Energy Plant in Fort St. James, it’s about letting youth know about the criteria to become a power engineer for future opportunities, said maintenance manager Jeremy Johnson.
Vanderhoof Specialty Wood Products’ Keith Spencer, who is hiring for a variety of positions including general labour and electricians, says it’s an opportunity to tell the public about what the business is and do.
Attending with resumes in hand, Charles Gibbons from Saik’uz First Nation found the event useful, though it’s smaller in scale than Prince George’s fair last year. He was interested in skills improvement with Prince George-based O’Brien Training, cooking positions, as well as the Canadian Armed Forces.
Grade 10 student Candon Macfarlane, aiming to study animation after graduation, was looking for part-time summer opportunities.
“First time going to a job fair,” Macfarlane said. “It’s been nice to talk to the employers.”