RD Parker Collegiate hosted a Job Fair on May 8, where businesses came out to present awareness to students of the vast businesses available in their area and help them find their aspiring careers. The fair was a huge success, with 29 booths in total, showcasing job positions that students didn't even know existed.
One of the organizers; Jeff Paradis, who was pleased with the outcome, stated, "Last year, we did one in September. It was a super last-minute event, but we worked really hard in the month of August to get it all rolling, and it turned out to be a huge success. So we all agreed we needed to hold another one in the spring of last year." With the growing success, they are now on their second year hosting the Job fair and plan to make it a regular tradition.
"I don’t think you can have too many job fairs," said Paradis. "People are always looking for employees at all different types of times, like if people need seasonal positions filled, it would only make sense to have one closer to the holidays as well as before summer begins."
The job market is always changing, and many businesses are continually looking for employees. Jeff Paradis believes that hosting such events is an excellent way to help bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. The fair also helps students get a better understanding of the jobs that are required in their community.
"A lot of these businesses have job positions open that you wouldn't even know! Some programs you didn't even know existed! But here you can talk with these people face to face and get a great understanding of the jobs that are required in our community," Paradis commented.
The fair was an excellent opportunity for students to learn about different career paths and the requirements for each one. The booths were manned by representatives from various businesses, who were eager to speak with students about their company and the positions they have available. The businesses represented included a mix of local and national companies, ranging from retail to healthcare to technology.
The fair was also beneficial to the businesses who participated. Many of them were short-staffed and were looking for employees. The event provided them with an excellent opportunity to meet with potential job candidates and fill their open positions. The fair was also an excellent way for businesses to raise awareness of their brand and the services they offer.
The event was well-coordinated, and there was a lot of positive feedback from both the students and the businesses that participated. The fair was a great success, with many students finding employment opportunities and businesses finding their next employees. The fair also helped students gain valuable insights into the job market and the skills and qualifications required for various positions.
RD Parker Collegiate Job Fair was a resounding success. The event was well-organized, and the businesses and students who participated benefited greatly from it. Jeff Paradis and the team who organized the event should be commended for their hard work in making the fair a success. We look forward to the next Job fair and the opportunities it will bring for both students and businesses in the community.
~Matthias J. Johnson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Thompson Citizen. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
