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Vendors open doors to new futures at Black Press Extreme Education & Career Fair

More tham two dozen employers, educators signed on for Victoria event
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More than two dozen education and career vendors will be present at the Black Press Media Extreme Education and Career Fair on Oct. 24 at the Bay Street Armoury. (File Photo)

Opportunities abound at the Black Press Media Extreme Education and Career Fair, where dozens of institutions and employers are poised to connect with career and knowledge seekers.

With more than two dozen vendors signed up, the perfect path to a meaningful, successful path forward could be waiting for the right student, job-seeker, career-changer or lifelong learner.

One such vendor is the Victoria Cool Aid Society, a longstanding community pillar connecting marginalized people with shelter, health care, employment, food, wellness, mental health care, addictions treatment, counselling and more.

READ ALSO: Captured in time: Cool Aid unveils photos from its 50 years of history

More than 350 staff at 19 locations in Victoria, Saanich and Langford help 12,000 people every year. In fact, the Cool Aid Society has been supporting more people who were or are homeless longer than any other community organization.

Human resource advisor Penny Gallegos emphasizes the need for employees who share values of compassion and harm reduction. Cool Aid has no dry facilities, and monitors safe injection and open consumption sites.

“Someone with the right values, the right approach, the right energy, [who] could be very empathetic, non-judgmental,” she said, describing a good candidate. “We need people that have backgrounds in community, social services, experience working with marginalized populations, mental health or substance use issues.”

But Cool Aid does provides comprehensive training for those who don’t have extensive experience.

“If there’s people with interest, I would encourage them to learn more about what we do and see if it might be the right place for them to start working,” Gallegos says. “I encourage people to volunteer with us and understand what we do, understand our services and approach, if they feel it is the right place for them to work, then I encourage them to apply.”

Vancouver Island University (VIU) will also be present at the Career and Education Fair. The university offers more than 120 programs, more than 25 study abroad opportunities and $3.5 million in scholarships, awards and bursaries.

READ ALSO: Vancouver Island university develops program to help kids cope with overdose crisis

“We’re excited to be there to showcase the possibilities that a VIU education offers and to give people the information they need to make a decision about their future,” says Jenn McGarrigle, external communications advisor. “Lots of people come to university later on in life, looking to change careers, gain new skills and advance in the workplace. On top of our degree programs, we offer quick turn-around certificates, diplomas and trades programs as well as graduate programs.”

Other vendors include BC Corrections, Canadian Armed Forces, Community Living BC, ICBC, Retirement Concepts, Royal Roads University, Trillium Care and more.

The Black Press Extreme Education & Career Fair is on Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bay Street Armoury (713 Bay St.).

For additional information about vendors attending the fair, visit the Black Press Media Extreme Education & Career Fair Facebook page.



nina.grossman@blackpress.ca

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