Hundreds of job-seekers made their way to the Bay Street Armoury in Victoria on Thursday to learn about job opportunities and even get hired during the Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair.
Hannah Sauermann just finished her degree in sociology at the University of Victoria and has been working in retail for the past six years. She came to the career fair to find a new career path for herself.
“I want a change,” Sauermann said. “I really like [the fair] I think this is a really good opportunity for people … and there are a lot of good employers here.”
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Sauermann said she was nervous to come the fair at first but found a large variety of employers and even one who seemed interested in having her join their team.
Jose Mayreno moved to Canada from Brazil about one year ago and came to the career fair to look for a job in the financial field while his wife studies at the University of Victoria.
“I saw so many opportunities and I hope I get a job,” Mayreno said.
Black Press Media hosts 14 career fairs across the province throughout the year, recognizing the need to hire is in high demand. Sheri Jackson, event manager, says Black Press acknowledges the importance of recruitment and takes pride in being able to facilitate the needs of the employers, as well as the employees.
According to Jackson, people visiting the fair can expect a multitude of companies that are ready to hire — some, even right on the spot.
Along with employer vendors, attendees can also expect different education facilities on hand to help future students choose a path that makes sense to them.
Retirement Concepts and Selkirk Seniors Village came to the career fair on Thursday to meet applicants interested in a variety of positions at the organization said Deanna Delaney, the assisted living community relations manager at Selkirk Seniors Village.
“We have positions in all sorts of departments from care and nursing to entry-level and our support services,” Delaney said. “We’ve had all sorts of people here today right from new grads – new Canadians even – to people working on their second or third careers.”
Amanda Schaap, a senior manager with BC Liquor Stores Broadmead branch, said she has been able to do some interviews and even hire individuals at the career fair.
“Currently we’re hiring for entry-level sales associates,” Schaap said. “That being said BC Liquor is always evolving and changing and growing so that maybe what we’re hiring for today but any position that you come into BC Liquor with always has the opportunity for advancement to step into a career as well.”
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This is the fourth year the career fair has come to Victoria and Jackson says they get better and better each year.
Some of the vendors on site included Bayshore HealthCare, BC Corrections, BC Public Service Agency, Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, Discovery Community College, ICBC, McDonald’s Canada, Vancouver Island University and Victoria Cool Aid Society.
To see the full list of vendors visit facebook.com/events/2311137785805546/.
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