4 minute read
Second Annual Multi-Industry Career Fair
Second Annual Multi-Industry Career Fair
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The Multi-Industry Career Fair was a one-stop venue for job hunters and people who wanted to explore various trades and career options at Vegreville Social Centre on March 12.
The fair was hosted by Vegreville and the District Chamber of Commerce (VDCC) and the Town of Vegreville. Grant funding for the one day event was also made available through both the Provincial and Federal Government.
VDCC General Manager Roxane Tannas mentioned that there were a little over 400 attendees as well as 14 businesses and seven organizations at this event.
“We started the career fair because our members requested help in finding local people to hire,” stated Tannas.
She noted that both Skills Canada Alberta and Lakeland College participated, and had representatives on-site to encourage students to try different trades to see what they might be interested in.
“This event gave attendees a chance to talk with our employers in a formal atmosphere. It also gave them a chance to speak with the businesses and learn more about them, and it gave them a chance to see more businesses all at one time,” added Tannas.
When asked what she believes most employers are seeking in an employee. “The employers that I spoke with are looking for a reliable person, someone who is willing to commit, and employees who are qualified for the positions that they have available.
The employees are looking for stable positions with security.”
When employers on site were questioned, Returning Officer for Elections Canada Maureen Sullivan explained they are looking for office staff for positions of three months when an election is called. “I desperately need a training officer, two financial officers, and an assistant automation coordinator. We also need recruitment officers, receptionists, and support officers in the office as well who will be hired closer to the election and we always need poll workers.
The qualities we look for in workers are you have to be easygoing and you have to be able to go with the flow.”
Jocelyn Mouyios, Office Administrator for Vegreville Dental Centre, was there to promote the dental industry specifically in rural Alberta because they are struggling to get professionals. “A lot of kids do not realize that hygiene, dental assisting, and sterilization are available in rural Alberta. In Vegreville we are going to be hiring yet in the next one to three years. If the kids like living in rural, this is a fantastic field for them. Teeth aren’t going anywhere; people will always need to have their teeth and gums taken care of.
When we hire, we want people who have a degree, certificate, or diploma to do the work and then we look for employees who can pay attention to details and have a good work ethic.
I want the kids to see what the town has to offer and come and help build our community. They don’t have to go into the dental industry; they can take up anything. They can do the trades and come back and open their own business.”
Attendee Alora Kurytnik said she wasn’t interested in taking up a trade before but now she is after going to this fair. “I never knew exactly what type of work all trades meant doing. I thought it was just doing field work but being able to hear and see what different trades are, made me interested. For example, seeing the welding made me interested as it is a hands-on job and I like doing that type of work.”
