By Darren Lum
Employment opportunities are coming with the Job Fair scheduled at the local high school later this month.
Students and the public are being given the opportunity for a one-stop shop to fact find and, possibly, gain employment in Haliburton County with an in-person event at the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) where employers will be, to answer questions and potentially hire for various positions.
Held from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. for students, and 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the public on April 20, the event is being made possible by the partnership between the high school, the Haliburton County Home Builders Association (HCHBA) and Haliburton Home Hardware’s district manager, Glen Rickerby.
HHSS principal Chris Boulay said the school is pleased to be part of this collective to make this offering happen for its students, who he refers to as Red Hawks.
“Many hardworking Red Hawks are actively seeking employment and this opportunity allows them to consider a number of open positions in various sectors within the community that might interest them. HHSS sees itself as an integral player in preparing students for the world of work and in working alongside our community partners and employers,” he wrote in a message.
President of HCHBA Glenn Evans, who invites students and encourages people from the public to come, said job fairs address shortages in the skilled trades.
“There is a shortage of skilled trades across the entire country, and the need for interested people is growing everyday. Events such as this give potential candidates an opportunity to connect with potential employers,” he wrote in an email. “The summer season is just around the corner, and all the indicators are pointing to it being one of the busiest ever. Having this event in April is perfect timing for a job fair. It gives employers a chance to meet and welcome their new recruits while candidates also have time to prepare for their new positions, whether it’s [purchase] personal tools, safety wear, or maybe even [arrange for] transportation to and from work.”
HCHBA’s executive officer Aggie Tose said this event is not to be confused for a “career fair.”
“A career fair is important too for the students to show them what careers are available right here in Haliburton County, [but] this event is especially geared to have people attend with a resume in hand. Home Hardware is sponsoring a draw for all who bring resumes and enter the draw,” she wrote in an email.
Having the event at the high school makes it ideal for students, Tose said.
“Hosting this event at the high school, I hope gives our students the opportunity to meet employers on their own turf where they are usually more comfortable. Thanks to the large area and closeness to town we can open this event up to the general public very easily,” she wrote.
Evans, who will also be at the Job Fair as a potential employer, as owner of Cedar Winds Design Build, asks job fair attendees to bring their curiousity and questions, including resumes and/or cover letters.
Cedar Winds will be providing information to people, but are actively looking to fulfill positions for its carpentry apprenticeships.
Evans encourages “Students that are seeking either immediate full-time employment, or even summer work, as they prepare for their post secondary journey, should come to this event … I am very excited to welcome our students to the local workforce. Apprenticeships are the best way to learn a trade, hone your skills and get paid to do so. It’s a very exciting time for all of us.”
He adds: “On behalf of all the members of the Haliburton County Home Builders Association, we look forward to seeing you there. We also want to wish the very best to the students that are planning to pursue post secondary education opportunities.”
Masks are recommended, but not required.
Space is still available for employers. If interested call to secure your spot 705-457-6901 or email info@hchba.ca.
