Port Cares summer job fair for youth

Youths are invited to come dressed for success and with resumes in hand to Port Cares on Thursday.

The organization is having its third job fair geared toward people aged 15 to 18 who are returning to high school or going on to post-secondary studies.

It’s a part of the Youth Job Connection Summer Program through Employment Ontario. Roughly 20 employers looking for summer help will be there ready to take resumes.

“We’ve got a really good range of employers with a really good range of positions that they’re hiring for,” said program facilitator Andrea Boitor.

She said there are retail, campground, general labour, kitchen help and other opportunities to choose from.

Having all those employers in one place is great, she said, especially because Port Colborne’s transit system isn’t as good as those in other municipalities.

Last year, about 100 young people came out, but she said more are expected this year because Port Cares has made a more concentrated effort of going into the high schools and letting kids know about it.

Part of the problem it has had is that people don’t know about this job fair and that Port Cares offers other employment help for young people, whether they’re just getting into the working world or not.

“We also offer help for interview skills, resume writing, dressing for success — all those little things that those that are new to working might need extra help and support with,” Boitor said.

Port Cares can also help match youths to employers and get them work experience.

While this specific job fair is more geared for teens, Boitor said youths 29 and under are welcome to come. There are also other programs at Port Cares for people in the 29 and under category.

This year, too, Port Cares has been offering job-seeking advice to youths when they visit high schools. Dressing for success and having a resume ready to go are the big topics. Not chewing gum and staying off cellphones while there are also recommended.

The job fair takes place between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Port Cares at 92 Charlotte St.

Boitor said if any young people are looking for tips before Thursday, they are welcome to call Port Cares at 905-834-3629. She said because she is heading the program, people can call her at her extension, 278, for advice, too.