Erin Haluschak
Record Staff
From high school students looking to start their career to those seeking a career change, the Black Press Extreme Career Fair offers something for everyone.
Prospective employees from Campbell River to Nanaimo have come to the Florence Filberg Centre and the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay, to meet with a variety of employers, post-secondary schools and agencies.
More than 80 companies have booths at the event.
“I’m new to the area - I moved here from Chilliwack, and I just graduated with my medical health addiction diploma. I see some services …. offering some jobs and I thought this would be a great opportunity to meet some people in the community,” said Stephanie Bales.
Employers, such as the Comox Military Family Resource Centre, are using the fair as an opportunity to not only meet potential employees but also to spread awareness about their organization.
“A lot of people have an idea that we only hire military,” explained Jessie Cruickshank, from the Comox MFRC. “We’re using this as an opportunity to tell people what we do; our services are available to everyone.”
Cruickshank added they have been accepting resumes for one open position, and are collecting resumes for their casual job pool.
High school students Colton Penner and Issac Rayner are using the fair to look at future opportunities.
“We’re in a career-planning class …. (and) it’s good to look into jobs for the future after school,” noted Penner.
Rayner agreed, and said he’s looking specifically at the military booths.
“I’m trying to look for (jobs) as a pilot. In the long run, I’d like to be a civilian (pilot), but I was thinking of going through the military first.”
The Black Press Extreme Career Fair runs until 5 p.m.