Selkirk College Career & Education Fair makes employment connection

This year’s event takes place on March 7 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Selkirk College’s Castlegar Campus.

Canada Border Services Agency is an employer exhibitor participating in Selkirk College Career & Education Fair. — Photo: Selkirk College

Local employers are teaming up with Selkirk College for the Career and Education Fair. The aim is to connect with people eager to find employment, students wanting to chart a course for future education and employment counsellors seeking up-to-date career information.

This free annual event benefits all participants, says Selkirk College Recruitment Specialist Amy Byers.

“Selkirk College is committed to providing pathways to meaningful employment and sometimes that means bringing the employer straight to the students and job seekers,” she says. “Our employer exhibitors find the Career Fair a valuable venue to recruit to their organization or business.”

This year’s event takes place on March 7 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Selkirk College’s Castlegar Campus and there is still time to sign up to participate as an exhibitor. This year’s list of employers is varied and includes Academy of Classic Oriental Science, BC Timber Sales, Tea Garden Wellness and Kokanee Mountain Zipline just to name a few.

Todd Manton is co-owner and operator of Kokanee Mountain Zipline located just outside of Nelson. A connection to the college has proven positive for this business owner.

"Kokanee Mountain Zipline is committed to hiring local and keeping jobs in the West Kootenays. Selkirk College in the past has provided us with valuable employees who have come back for several years. We hope that the career fair will continue this trend," he says.

Michelle Greene is a recruitment advisor with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA). Her organization works in partnership with the province’s health authorities and health-care professionals to provide care and services such as ambulance service. PHSA regularly participates in Selkirk College’s Career & Education Fair because of the connections it provides.

“We try to recruit as many local candidates as possible for paramedic positions in our rural and remote stations across the province,” says Greene. “Selkirk College Career Fair lets us tap into potential candidates who may not have the exact qualifications we are looking for yet, but may already be studying or have an interest in healthcare.”

Entry-level positions with BC Emergency Health Services are part-time casual due to the nature of their current staffing model. This could provide the perfect job for a post-secondary student who may only be able to work weekends – for now, says Greene.

“They can get their foot in the door with the potential for long-term career opportunities,” she says.

At the Fair, PHSA representatives often speak to high school teachers and councillors, as well as students, who are looking for more information about career options.

“We know they are a few years away from starting as a paramedic, but it’s a good opportunity for them to learn more about what path they can start working toward,” she says.

Are you interested in becoming an exhibitor at the Career & Education Fair? Contact Amy Byers at 1-888-953-1133 ext. 11396 or by email to find out how to join in on this opportunity for employers.