Early line ups at this year’s Youth Hiring Fair
Today The City of Calgary kicked off its 17th Annual Youth Hiring Fair at Stampede Park’s Big Four Building. Young people were lined up for hours in advance of the doors opening and in the first half hour an estimated 600 youth were through the door with another 2,000 waiting for their turn.
“This event provides opportunities for youth to get the experience they need to build confidence and skills in the job market,” says Susan Yuen, a Youth Hiring Fair organizer with The City of Calgary. “A strong and productive workforce ultimately benefits our city as a whole. Helping young people get off on the right foot can make a big difference.”
The Youth Hiring Fair is an initiative of Community & Neighbourhood Services through the Youth Employment Centre, and is Calgary’s only hiring fair exclusively for young people aged 15 to 24. Today’s event features more than 5,000 full-time and part-time positions — both seasonal and career opportunities — offered by over 80 local employers.
Among the first people through the doors today was 22-year-old Jessica Mcgaughey.
“I heard about the event through a friend on Facebook and wanted to come because of all the employers in one place,” said Jessica. “It’s good to know so many jobs are still available despite the current economy.”
Employers were equally happy to see so many qualified young people with the potential to fill needed roles within their organizations.
“McDonald’s has participated for the last few years,” said Laura Schaufele, who was working at McDonald’s booth for today’s hiring fair. “Last year we got 600 applications and hired for 200 positions from this fair. This really helps us staff up for the summer.”
The Youth Hiring Fair runs until 6 p.m. today. For more information regarding the Youth Hiring Fair and opportunities to participate next year, visit www.nextsteps.org.