19 WING COMOX - The Comox Valley Education & Career Fair will take place at 19 Wing Fitness & Community Centre on Friday, February 8, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This is the largest employment Fair north of Victoria with over 70 exhibitors representing businesses and educational institutions from across BC. This event is expected to draw over 1000 people who are interested in building connections to find employment, discover new career possibilities or check out educational opportunities.
The idea of making connections is a prominent one at this year's Fair. "I chose the Building Connections theme because the Career Fair is a way for all people who attend, whether military or civilian, to build important connections, whether with another person, organization or institution, in order to ultimately reach their individual goals," says Genereux, the Coordinator of the Comox Valley Education and Career Fair.
If finding a job is your goal, then come to the Fair prepared. Bring your resume and a pen; some businesses intend to accept employment applications. "We work very hard to make sure there are real employment opportunities available at the Fair," says Genereux. "There are several businesses attending this year actually looking for potential employees, including Staples, Wendy's Restaurant, Tim Horton's, BC Ferries, Crown Isle, Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa, and Zellers."
The annual exhibition, held at the 19 Wing Fitness & Community Centre, is the ideal location for this very popular event, and the Comox Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) is pleased to provide this service to the public. According to Genereux, who is also the Comox MFRC Employment & Education Services Coordinator, "The military community is a vital part of the Comox Valley, and this Fair is one way that we can demonstrate our connection to the local community; the Fair is beneficial for both our military families and the general public."
A special highlight is the attendance of two celebrities from Home and Garden Television, Jim Caruk of Real Renos and Kevin Howe of Handyman Superstar Challenge. "We are excited to have personalities coming who value trades as occupations since our Fair places such an emphasis on apprenticeships and trades as excellent career choices," Genereux adds. "I feel especially lucky to have Kevin as a guest since he is a pilot for the Canadian Forces. We couldn't have found a better person to come to our joint military - civilian Fair and illustrate our "Building Connections" theme than a military pilot who's on a civilian television show that showcases skilled workers and trades. Kevin really connects it all."
Apprenticeships, trades, and technical professions will indeed have a good showing at the Fair. There will be interactive displays about careers like sheet metal worker, auto mechanic, refrigeration technician, carpenter, plumber, electrician, chef, aesthetician/hair stylist and an airframe structure technician to name a few. Representatives will be available to talk to people throughout the day about the realities of their professions and what qualifications are required to be successful in these careers.
The 7th Annual Career Fair is also strongly focussed on youth this year. Hundreds of students from local high schools will be in attendance, and special speakers and workshops are planned especially for young people. Transportation to the Fair is being arranged for youth from several sites in Courtenay/Comox: Driftwood Mall, Lewis Centre, Comox Mall. For specific details and contact information, youth are encouraged to visit http://www.cveducationandcareerfair.ca/, the youth-based website designed with their needs in mind. Click on "Getting There".
Presentations will be scheduled throughout the day on various topics like on-the-job safety issues by WorkSafe BC, an overview of healthcare opportunities by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and an analysis of the Comox Valley and BC labour market trends. These presentations will help participants to understand the real opportunities that are emerging in the Valley and across BC in certain vital sectors.
The Fair is open to everyone. Admission is by donation, which will support the Military Families including the Comox MFRC Education and Employment programs and services. For more information please contact the Comox Military Family Resource Centre at 339-8290 or visit their website at http://www.comoxmfrc.com/.
This year's Fair is generously sponsored by: 19Wing Comox, Courtenay Mazda, The Home Depot, Canadian Tire, WorkSafe BC, The Light House, Staples, Blush Salon, Crown Isle, and 98.9 Jet FM, which will add excitement by broadcasting live from the event. The Government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative.
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Military Family Resource Centre: Nancy Callaghan 339-8211 loc 6655.
19 Wing Public Affairs Officer: Captain Cheryl Condly (250) 339-8201
