Expo helps make career connections

Job-seekers were able to meet with more employers than in previous years at the Okotoks Career Expo.

The expo saw a total of 45 recruiters at the Foothills Centennial Centre on March 2, ranging from post-secondary institutions to retail outlets, restaurants, golf courses, health and wellness centres, banks and landscaping companies. It was an increase of 10 businesses from last year’s 35 employers.

Though the number of people who came to the McBride Career Group Career Expo was down by about 100, organizer and career coach Donna Stratton said overall it went very well and people left happy.

“A lot of employers got a lot of great applicants, and some even hired already, which is great to hear,” said Stratton.

To make the expo appeal to more people, this year’s employers included a broader range of industries rather than focusing primarily on seasonal jobs at places like golf courses and landscape companies, she said.

“I think it was a nice mix more so than someone just coming in thinking they were only getting a job for the season,” said Stratton. “There was more to choose from, job-wise.”

It was also a great opportunity for employers to get to meet potential hires face-to-face, rather than simply receiving an application or resume online, she said.

Being able to approach employers personally meant a lot for Syrian refugee Nader Khazaal, who arrived with his wife Kinda and daughter Senta in December. He is trying to find his first job in Canada.

“In my country they don’t do this,” said Khazaal. “It’s good for people, you can see the manager face-to-face and it’s more than just sending the resume or the email, and you don’t know if they’ve opened it.”

He said it helped to be able to speak directly to the people who might do the hiring for different companies, to ask questions about potential jobs and introduce himself personally.

Khazaal took applications to several of the businesses at the expo. He said he’s trying to find any kind of work to help him support his family and become self-sufficient in Canada.

“I’d love to be a driver because I love to drive, but that’s hard here to find something like a driver,” he said. “We will see what we can find, but I would like something right away, soon.”

One company looking for drivers was Calgary-based A-1 Cement Contractors Ltd. Phil VanderVeen Jr. said Class 3 drivers are among the more difficult positions for his company to fill.

“We’re looking for drivers to haul gravel,” said VanderVeen.

It was the first time A-1 Cement came out to the career expo. He said it was a good experience. The company was looking for new hires, but also for a way to help stir the economy, he said.

“We need to have good employees, we’re looking for good employees,” said VanderVeen. “We’d also like to be involved in helping people to find jobs.”

Another newcomer to the Career Expo was Austen Jewellers. The company was on the hunt for people specializing in jewellery design and marketing and advertising.

Owner Wayne Austen said designing jewellery begins with computer-aided design software to produce 3D images.

“It’s a difficult specialty to find,” said Austen. “I’m kind of hoping for younger students who are taking it in school, to see if there is anyone up-and-coming.”

Beyond finding someone to fulfill an integral role at the store, he said being part of the expo was a good way to help support the town and perhaps connect potential employees with the right companies.

“I think it’s good to see what else is out there too,” said Austen. “We get a lot of applications, and maybe I can channel those to somewhere I’ve seen today, too.”

Recent high school graduate Tray Toehler said he intends to send his resume out to as many companies as possible. He used the Career Expo as a launch pad for his search, which he hopes will end with being accepted as a cadet with the RCMP Training Academy.

“The police force is something I’ve always been interested in, so I’ve got my RCMP application and I just need a job in the meantime,” said Toehler.

Armed with applications to McDonalds, a number of golf courses and landscaping companies, Toehler was ready to take on as many opportunities as possible to get work and life experience.

For Okotoks resident Agnes Chernecki, the expo was an opportunity to see what’s available in Okotoks after years of working in Calgary.

A victim of the economic downturn, Chernecki was laid off from her job in the homebuilding industry and was on the hunt for something new. Her experience has prepared her for anything in retail, business or health, she said.

“I went to McBride to get some help looking for jobs, and they told me this was happening so I thought I’d check it out,” said Chernecki. “I’m just getting a feel to see what’s here so I can make my decisions. It’s a great way to see what’s out there.”