Newcomers association, province host informal job fair

The P.E.I. Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC) hosted its annual alternate careers day recently.

The event brought together newcomers, business professionals and employers to discuss ways newcomers can benefit the Island workforce and find meaningful employment by using their transferrable skills to pursue alternate careers.

Newcomers met with representatives from seven industry sectors in P.E.I., including health, IT, bioscience, aerospace and defence, finance and accounting, early childhood education and trades.

The event also allows employers a chance to showcase occupations they hire for and actively fill the gaps in their workforce by meeting potential new employees.

Amy MacLean, employment assistance service co-ordinator for PEIANC, said newcomers and employers can learn from each other.

“Often, our clients have barriers to work in their field and the alternate careers event allows them to discover how to transfer their skills to a new career and to build their networks on a local level.

“Employers also have an opportunity to discover the unique talents that newcomers bring and the benefits of being open to a diverse workforce.’’

Unlike a typical job fair, alternate careers day provides an informal setting for employers and newcomers to network and discuss local job openings.

It featured guest speakers, round-table discussions, networking sessions, information booths and specialized separate workshops for employers and newcomers.