A lot of young people in Airdrie are looking for jobs.

That was evidenced Thursday (March 14) when more than 500 youth from every high school in the city turned up for the Airdrie Youth Job Fair, hosted by Rocky View and Wheatland Employment Services (RVWES) in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club  of Airdrie (BGCA).

The event was held at the ABGC facility where people lined up at the doors for entry.   Local employers including London Drugs, GoodLife Fitness, Boston Pizza, McDonald's, Woodside Golf Course, Genesis Place, the City of Airdrie and many others were on hand, many of them looking for part-time workers for the summer while others were offering full-time positions.

Abigail Gonzalez Program Manager with RVWES called the event a huge success.  "It was the best ever.  Most of the students were looking for positions.  Others were looking for a little bit of assistance with their resumes or just a little bit of guidance and coaching.  I also had a table with career advisors."

Gonzalez says being able to meet local employers who are seeking out young workers and physically shake their hands is a big plus for those searching out jobs.

"When you're just applying online, you're just one more application.  When they're in here, they have a cup of hot chocolate or a beverage and we provide a very welcoming atmosphere.  We make it as inclusive, as low key and casual, while still formal, for the youth.  They were very, very pleased with the event.  We heard lots of positive feedback."

The good feedback wasn't solely reserved for the students who were looking for jobs.  The employers on hand also commented on the quality of the candidates that attended the fair.  Gonzalez says, "We were doing a little bit of a verbal survey of all of the employers that attended.  They were very happy with the candidates that attended, and the quality of the candidates."

Gonzalez believes there has been a bit of an increase in youth employment, something the number of employers that attended the job fair points to.  

The Airdrie office of Rocky View and Wheatland Employment Services can provide help for job seekers young and old, including access to career advice and a job board.  It's open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.  

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