An unofficial measurement of the local labour market will be available on Tuesday, after the doors to the Central Alberta Career and Job Fair open.
Attendance at the twice-yearly employment event has fluctuated with the economy in recent years. Approximately 1,800 job seekers stopped in at the spring edition of the job far in March, a figure that was down sharply from 2008 and 2009, when many people lost their jobs to the economic downturn. In the boom years prior to that, attendance was as low as 1,200.
“This will be the indicator,” said Corey Giesbrecht, whose company Outbound Productions organizes the event for Alberta Employment and Immigration.
Employers appear to be on the hunt for people, with nearly 100 exhibitors booking a spot at the Capri Hotel and Convention Centre, and others on a waiting list.
“We were supposed to be doing 80 but we were able to squeeze out a little more room,” said Giesbrecht.
The list is pretty varied, he added.
“Oilpatch, construction, retail, food and beverage, radio and human services field . . . it’s a pretty diverse range of companies.”
The fall job fair usually has strong representation from the energy sector, said Giesbrecht, and this one will be no exception.
“Oilfield is typically slow in the summer months, but once the ground freezes and they can start moving rigs to where it’s water right now, then they need more guys.”
Other employers will be competing for people: from Ashley Furniture Home Store to Zellers. Central Alberta Refugee Effort is recruiting volunteers.
Giesbrecht pointed out that career planning is a big part of what the fair is designed for. Service providers like Career Assistance Network, Catholic Social Services and Alberta Employment and Immigration will be on hand, as will educational and training organizations such as Red Deer College and McBride Career Group Inc.
He added the fair is also a good place to learn about career options and what’s needed to get into them. For instance, an aspiring young police officer could obtain valuable guidance from officials with the Edmonton Police Service.
“The level of education and understanding that you could get coming out of an event like that is pretty big if you take it seriously.”
Giesbrecht has some advice for those who attend the job fair in search of immediate employment.
“First appearance is everything,” he said, stressing the importance of dressing appropriately and presenting a good image.
“If you want to be a top-of-the-pile resumé, then you have to walk in and look and give the impression that you’re the top-of-the-pile resumé.”
Arrive prepared to take advantage of the many employment opportunities that should present themselves, he added.
“Come with 20 to 30 resumés. Where else can you apply for that many jobs at one location.”
Employers should also try to put their best face forward, suggested Giesbrecht. He noted that small businesses often lack the human resources expertise of big companies that are skilled at recruiting and hiring.
“They have a system in place and it’s a well-oiled machine.”
In addition to helping then connect with prospective workers, a job fair can be a good way for employers to get a feel for what their competitors are doing and paying, added Giesbrecht.
Tuesday’s Central Alberta Career and Job Fair will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Capri Hotel and Convention Centre.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com