Skip to content

Central Alberta Job Fair drawing strong interest

Local employers have wasted little time in staking their claim to spots at the upcoming Central Alberta Career and Job Fair.

Local employers have wasted little time in staking their claim to spots at the upcoming Central Alberta Career and Job Fair.

Corey Giesbrecht, whose company Outbound Productions organizes the twice-yearly job fair on behalf of Alberta Human Services, said on Thursday that the March 21 event is nearly full.

“I think we’re going to be closing registration in a week,” said Giesbrecht, who’s anticipating 85 employers and 15 service providers — such as government departments, employment agencies and educational institutions — at the job fair.

The energy sector, he noted, will be particularly well-represented.

Convincing employers to set up a booth at the Sheraton Red Deer Hotel (formerly the Capri Centre) is not the challenge, said Giesbrecht.

It’s getting prospective employees into the room that’s difficult.

“Anybody who wants to work is working,” he said, adding that newcomers to Red Deer and people transitioning between jobs present the greatest promise.

But Giesbrecht pointed out the Central Alberta Career and Job Fair can be a valuable source of career planning information for young people not yet ready to enter the workforce. And it can be useful to those who are currently employed but curious about alternatives.

To help employers make the most of their job fair experience, Outbound Productions is organizing a March 13 seminar entitled Job Fair Success for Employers.

Scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon at Quality Inn — North Hill, the free event will feature career development consultant Kristen Cumming.

“It’s a seminar focusing on how to recognize, identify and go after the top-of-the-pile resumés,” said Giesbrecht, explaining that employers should make the most of their precious time when interacting with potential workers.

“You don’t want the recycle resumé holding up the one that’s top-of-the-pile a couple of people back.”

Two other seminars are planned for the Sheraton on the same day as the Central Alberta Career and Job Fair.

Consultant, author and speaker Eddie LeMoine, who is an expert on leadership and personal development, will conduct a pair of presentations on employee engagement.

The first, which will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m., is intended for managers and leaders and will discuss how to get staff involved and interested in your business, said Giesbrecht.

“It’s about how to turn your average employee into an above-average employee.”

The second presentation, scheduled for 2 to 3:30 p.m., is designed for staff. It will suggest tips and techniques for becoming more engaged in the workplace.

Both of LeMoine’s presentations are open to anyone, with job fair exhibitors able to send two representatives to either seminar for free.

Otherwise, the cost is $20 per person for each session.

The Central Alberta Career and Job Fair will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional information can be found online at www.jobfair.me.

hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com