While some sectors of the Canadian economy are in a slump, the Williams Lake Job Fair Wednesday and Thursday at the Gibraltar Room offered lots of encouragement for job seekers, said host Trinity Sure.
She said they had 500 visitors Wednesday and were already up to a total of 800 visitors by noon the Thursday.
“Quite a few people got jobs on the spot,” Sure said. “It’s a really great success story and a great way to meet people.”
Unfortunately Gibraltar Mine, Mount Polley, Finning, and Pinnacle Pellet were not represented at the fair this year because they are currently engaged in layoffs, Sure said.
On the positive side the RCMP, Prince George Correctional Institute and Tolko representatives, and others were able to talk about job openings in their particular industries.
There are 18 job postings at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre which close Oct. 30, said correctional officer Dan McDonald.
Tolko currently has 38 openings available in its B.C. and Alberta milling and woodland operations, said David Greenley, Tolko’s regional forester, silviculture. He said Tolko always has openings at its High Level plant north of Edmonton.
Throngs of adults and students of all ages visited the job fair that featured the theme Celebrating Community Partnership.
More than 40 exhibitors including employers, training and education providers, along with social service agencies had information booths at the fair.
The event was sponsored by the Cariboo Chilcotin Aboriginal Training and Employment Centre, where Sure works as a data entry clerk and by Horton Ventures Inc. employment services, co-ordinated by S.A.G.E. Trainers.
Many of the Lake City Secondary students and adults interviewed had ideas for their future employment but others were undecided.
Grade 12 student Kaitlyn Hutchinson says she is heading to the Photography Centre for Arts and Technology in Oct. 2016.
Grade 12 student Dawn Henley says she plans a career working with therapeutic dogs and autistic children, by way of majoring in kinesiology and psychology at university.
“I have always had a passion for animals and enjoy helping people,” Dawn says.
Grade 12 student Morgan Lord is undecided about her career choice.
Rebecca Fraser, Grade 11 says she plans to own and operate her own spa business.
Frank Setah Jr. says “I like being in the outdoors and have worked in silviculture and gardening.”
Grade 11 student Jasmin Johnson says she plans to become a social worker, while Grade 12 student Devon Robbins is considering a career in forestry or the culinary arts and Grade 12 student Justin Hutchinson plans to become a carpenter.
There were also lots of draw boxes and visitors who filled out the questionnaire on the back of the informational brochure about the fair, had a chance to win an iPad. Lunch and entertainment was provided.
