Beacon Community Service’s fourth annual Youth Job Fair gives local teens the chance to meet with prospective employers, find out what they’re looking for and maybe even get hired on the spot.
This year’s fair has 20 businesses and organizations coming to the SHOAL Centre to help guide youth through the world of business and employment.
“Our target market is students in School District 63 who are in high school, from 14 to 18, but everyone in that age group is welcome to come,” says Sara Lawton, youth employment program co-ordinator for Beacon Community Services.
Potential employment aside, the event is also about educating youth, she adds. It’s a way for teens to get the inside track on what different businesses are looking for.
Coast Capital Insurance, for example, will talk about what kind of qualifications they look for in future employees, as will B.C. Ferries, who may also be doing some seasonal hiring at the fair.
And for those who may not have any work experience, several organizations will be on hand recruiting volunteers.
“For the younger students who still might need some experience, they might be able to get in as a volunteer,” said Lawton.
The Royal BC Museum and Volunteer Victoria, for example, are always looking for new volunteers and the pro bono experience can help round out a spartan resumé.
The key, says Lawton, is to treat the entire fair as an interview.
“The idea is to come prepared with your resumé,” she says. “Come dressed to meet employers who are hiring, and put your best foot forward.”
Businesses attending include Panorama Recreation, McDonalds, Fairway Market, Sidney All Care, Save-on-Foods, Tanner’s Books and Peninsula Co-op.
Beacon Community Services is also hosting a free resumé writing and interview skills workshop this Friday (Feb. 13) at the SHOAL Centre from 2 to 4 p.m. Register at https://eventbrite.ca/event/15190878326.
The job fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Friday (Feb. 20) at the SHOAL Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive in Sidney.
Youth aged 14 to 18 are invited and encouraged to attend. The first 100 registrants receive a free gift bag.
To register, visit https://eventbrite.ca/event/15191092968.
For more information, contact Sara Lawton at yep@beaconcs.ca or 250-656-5537.