This year’s Beacon Community Services Youth Job Fair will see more employers coming out to interview youth looking for those summer jobs.
“We’re hoping to have more employers from Beacon Avenue and the downtown core here,” said Sara Lawton co-ordinator of volunteer services and youth employment programs for Beacon Community Services (BCS).
Lawton said they also expect more students will be attending, as they have more registered in the youth employment program, and schools are more involved this year too.
“The focus is youth ages 13 to 19 who are attending school,” she said.
Put on by the BCS Youth Employment Program, the experience will give students an opportunity to hand in their resumes and, for some, have on the spot interviews.
So far, almost 200 students are registered for the job fair, and anyone can show up on the day of the event.
There are 22 employers attending, including BC Transit, BC Ferries, Epicure, Alpine Group and more.
There are also some volunteer opportunities and educational opportunities open to students as well.
“Some people like RBC (Royal Bank), they want to try and educate them about working in the bank industry so they can direct their education towards it if they feel,” said Lawton.
Some of the volunteer and educational opportunities include Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, Royal BC Museum, ILC Hairstyling School, Peninsula Players and more.
Lawton said because it’s youth, it’s important that the job fair be multi-purpose. She said, however, that the majority of youth attend because they want to get a summer job.
She said they’ve heard great employment stories of someone getting hired to work at McDonalds who is now a manager, along with other success stories from Tanner’s Books to Capital Iron.
“Following up I have heard some really great results, so employers that attend should get good results.”
The job fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 24.
Last year, Lawton said students were outside at 9:30 a.m. dressed up, waiting eagerly to get in.
“It’s really exciting because it might be their first experience like this as well …” she said.
She added it’s a group effort when it comes to promoting the event.
“We have students at some of the schools who will go and speak to the Grade 10 planning class for instance, because students are also involved in the planning of this event.”
The event is partially funded by the United Way and part of its vision is that they offer this to fill a niche that’s not been filled in other areas.
“Part of it is that youth are involved at every level including the organizing.”
She said one of the ways she gets them involved is getting them to make posters for area schools.
Her advice to students is dress for an interview and have their resume ready.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you talk to the employers about the work and the job. It shows some initiative,” she said, adding that being on time is also very important.
The event will take place Feb. 24 at the SHOAL Centre. Doors open at 10 a.m.