Annual Youth Hiring Fair a hit with jobseekers

An estimated line-up of more than 1,000 youth were eager to put their best foot forward with employers this afternoon for the 18th Annual Youth Hiring Fair.

Located at the Big Four Building on Stampede Park, the annual fair was organized by The City of Calgary’s Youth Employment Centre (YEC). The event was free and open to all youth aged 15-24.

Large turnout not a surprise

In talking with City officials, they weren’t surprised by this year’s large turnout given the current economic downturn in Alberta.

While at the fair, I spoke with Jennifer Gee, a community relations liaison with YEC. Jennifer mentioned that there were some early indicators this year’s event might have a higher number of attendees. For her, one of the biggest signs was the steady stream of job seekers stopping by the YEC office for tips on how to make a positive first impression with employers.

Landing a job

Many youth who came prepared saw their efforts pay off.

Brianna Martell

One of the first individuals I met who made some initial job connections at the event was 21-year-old Brianna Martell from Windsor Park.

Brianna’s job searching strategy was to cast a wide net. She made the rounds visiting with Casino Calgary, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, 7-11, McDonald’s, Hi-Flyer Food and Denny’s. She introduced herself to the recruiters, filled out a few applications and is hoping to hear back from some of the employers in the coming weeks.

Employers impressed with quality of applicants

Despite the economic downturn it’s clear that companies are still looking to hire qualified candidates. This year’s event had more than 80 employers offering a variety of full-time, part-time and seasonal openings.

As I walked through the Big Four Building, I had an opportunity to visit with Talia Benson a numbers and culture coordinator with Fiasco Gelato.

Talia Benson

Talia was quite impressed with the experience and enthusiasm of the candidates she spoke to. She said for companies like Fiasco Gelato, it’s not every day they get to fill a large portion of their hiring needs in one afternoon.

She views it as a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Missed out on this year’s fair?

If you weren’t able to make it to this year’s fair, be sure to visit the YEC office located on the second floor of the Alberta Trade Centre building (315 - 10th Avenue S.E.).

They have a variety of employment counseling and training programs to help put you on the path towards starting your career.

Submitted by Eric Michalko, Calgary Neighbourhoods

A foot-in-the-door for hundreds of Calgary youth

In the first half hour, over 600 kids entered this year’s Youth Hiring Fair and another 2,000 were waiting to enter. Today’s hiring fair gives youth ages 15 to 24 a chance at one of the over 5,000 opportunities available through participating employers. 

Jessica was first through the doors this morning.

A chance to get needed skills

This event provides opportunities for youth to find a job and get the experience they need to build confidence and skills in the job market. 

We’ve all been there – just starting out without any experience. Getting the right opportunity to get you off on the right foot can make all the difference.

Among the first people through the doors today was Jessica Mcgaughey, 22 years old, who was excited for the chance to meet so many employers in one location. The Youth Hiring Fair provides that foot-in-the-door, making job hunting more comfortable.

Employers benefit too

Employers were equally happy to see so many qualified young people with the potential to fill needed roles within their organizations. McDonald’s has been a supporting employer for several years now and keeps coming back because of the opportunity to meet so many potential hires.

Laura from McDonald's.

“Last year alone we hired for 200 positions from 600 applications,” said Laura Schaufele. “This really helps us staff up for summer when over 50 per cent of our staff are youth.”

The Youth Employment Centre provides a variety of free year-round career planning and employment services to people between the ages of 15 and 24 such as hiring fairs, one-on-one career counselling, resume support and job search assistance.

For more information on today’s Youth Hiring Fair, opportunities to participate next year, or ongoing employment services for youth, visit www.nextsteps.org.

Submitted by Stacey Scott, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Young mothers discovering their opportunities

Discovering Your Opportunities (DYO) is a City of Calgary program changing lives of young mothers for 15 years.

Keneisha, 19, participated in the program in 2010.

In 2000, staff at The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre (YEC) became aware of a variety of research indicating teenage mothers were less likely to have completed high school or post-secondary education. According to the research, this directly impacts their earning potential and occupations, often resulting in their children and themselves living below the poverty line.

“To be able to celebrate 15 years of success is a great honour for all staff, partners and participants who have been involved in the program since its inception,” said Christina David, employment counsellor and DYO coordinator. “It's fantastic to think this program has had a positive impact on over 150 teen moms and their children.”

Working together to make a difference

Staff took this information and designed a program aimed at making a difference in the lives of teen mothers and their children. Supported through a partnership between YEC, the Calgary Board of Education Louise Dean Centre, Catholic Family Services and a number of local employers, the program provides an opportunity for young moms to earn high school credits, gain valuable work experience and earn some money.

The five-week summer program assists participants in developing a career and life plan, as well as focusing on self-esteem and job search strategies. Afternoons provide the participants with valuable work experience, where the women have the opportunity to develop new skills and explore career options.

Celebrating success

A 15th year celebration event will take place this July to reunite both staff, participants, and partners. The event celebrates the program’s longevity and achievements in Calgary.

Hundreds of youth line up for job opportunities with local employers

Youth and young adults were lined up for hours before the doors even opened as The City of Calgary kicked off its 16th Annual Youth Hiring Fair. The fair was held at Stampede Park’s BMO Centre.

In the first half-hour, 1,000 eager young job seekers entered the event with an estimated 500 more lined up outside waiting to get in.  The event was held Tuesday, April 8 from 1:30 to 6 p.m.

“Helping young people get off on the right foot is so important,” says Arlas Gilles, a Youth Hiring Fair organizer with The City of Calgary. “This event provides opportunities for youth to get the experience they need to build confidence and skills in the job market. A strong and productive workforce ultimately benefits our city as a whole.”

Only hiring fair exclusively for youth

Mike Schmidt lined up hours ahead

The Youth Hiring Fair, hosted by The City of Calgary and the Youth Employment Centre, is Calgary’s only hiring fair exclusively for young people aged 15 to 24.

Today’s event features more than 5,000 full-time, part-time, seasonal and career opportunities offered by over 80 local employers.

Mack Skorpack of Shakers

The first through the doors today was 19-year-old Mike Schmidt who had been in line since 9 a.m.

“It seems like there will be a lot of jobs here - a lot of big companies,” said Schmidt as he waited for the doors to open. “I heard there will be on-the-spot interviews.”

More than 80 local employers on hand

Employers, such as Shakers Fun Centre, were equally happy to see so many qualified young people with the potential to fill needed roles within their organizations.

“We hire 40-50 positions around this time of year for summer jobs,” said Mack Skorpack of Shakers. “It would be ideal if we could fill those positions here today.”

For more information regarding the Youth Hiring Fair and opportunities to participate next year, visit www.nextsteps.org.

More photos can be found on Flickr!

Warming up for the annual Youth Hiring Fair on April 8

Calgary youth and employers are starting to think about summer jobs. 

Nearly 80 employers are looking to fill thousands of jobs at this year’s annual Youth Hiring Fair on April 8 at Stampede Park’s BMO Centre. 

Organizers from The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre expect more than 5,000 employment opportunities for young job seekers. The positions include full-time, part-time, seasonal work and career opportunities.

The event is free for youth aged 15-24. For more information on the Youth Hiring Fair visit www.nextsteps.org or connect with us on LinkedIn.

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