By Sara Moulton
Contributor
The Fall Community Job Fair was held on Thursday, October 24 at the Fernie Community Centre, allowing job seekers to discover new opportunities and network with prospective employers.
The event, hosted by the Elk Valley Employment Centre (EVEC), had a total of 24 employers from Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford in attendance. With permanent and seasonal positions across a spectrum of industries on offer, the job fair was suitable for both newcomers to the city and long-term residents looking for a change. Almost 250 attendees used the opportunity to find out more information about available jobs in the area.
Amy Boeckner, EVEC Business Services Coordinator, was pleased with the turnout and received positive feedback from the employers, which included Island Lake Lodge, Mow and Snow, Fernie Alpine Resort and Teck Coal Ltd., to name a few.
“(The employers) felt they made great connections with great job seekers and will continue through the hiring process with many people they met that day,” said Boeckner.
Those on the other side of the recruitment table also found the event valuable in their search for a new job. Austin Lamb is relocating from Okotoks, Alberta and is looking to find a night job that would allow him to enjoy Fernie’s extensive snow sports. Boeckner explained that the event was ideal for job seekers like Lamb, who could access several suitable employers under one roof.
“They appreciated the chance to meet employers face-to-face, as it gave them a chance to not only make that ever important first impression, but also ask some questions," said Boeckner.
Anyone who was unable to attend the Job Fair can still utilize the services and expertise of the Elk Valley Employment Centre to prepare resumes or practice interview skills. The Fernie EVEC office is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and can be contacted at (250) 423-4204 or at www.ekemployment.org/Elk_Valley.