Job fair to offer wide range of opportunities

More than 50 employers will set up tables in a Thursday WorkBC job fair in the hopes of attracting staff at a time of low employment in the capital region.

“Every single sector is looking for employees,” said Garth Yoneda, manager of community relations with GT Hiring Solutions, which has been contracted by WorkBC to run employment programs.

Hundreds of jobs in a variety sectors are on offer, Yoneda said Tuesday.

Some employers have openings for up to 15 people, Yoneda said.

The job fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave.

Job hunters can pre-register at march16victoriajobfair. eventbrite.ca.

Yoneda is hoping about 1,000 job hunters will show up.

The fair is being staged at a time when the unemployment rate in the capital region is 4.4 per cent, one of the lowest rates in the country.

Demand was so strong that some employers were turned away because there wasn’t enough room at the job fair. Some are sharing tables.

Past job fairs have shown that about 30 per cent of those who attend are already working full or part time, Yoneda said.

GT Hiring Solutions, WorkLink Employment Society and Beacon Community Services are hosting the free event.

Employers from the public and private sectors are attending.

They include health facilities and services, social agencies, restaurants, retail stores, office firms and major hotels.

Positions in high tech and skilled trades are available. Canada’s military is recruiting as well.

GT has suggestions for those attending the fair:

• If you are already a WorkBC client, speak with your case manager on how to make the most effective approach to an employer.

• If you are new to WorkBC, attend a WorkBC Orientation session at your local Employment Service Centre.

There are centres at 1483 Douglas St., 415 Gorge Rd. and 3962 Borden St.

Another job fair will be staged by the Victoria Cool Aid Society on March 29 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Rock Bay Landing emergency shelter at 535 Ellice St.

The social agency is looking for front-line emergency support workers and resident support workers.