WorkBC hosted another successful job fair this past Tuesday, April 14, aiming to support locals who are currently unemployed or seeking new opportunities. The event brought together a wide range of employers and job seekers, creating a valuable space for connection within the community.
The job fair is held annually around this time each spring, and according to Jamie Gibson, an employment consultant at WorkBC, this timing is intentional. “We try to put it on around the same time every year, when people in town may be out of work,” Gibson explained. With the recent closure of the ski hill, a major seasonal employer in the area, the timing of this year’s event was especially fitting.
A diverse group of local businesses participated in the fair. Restaurants such as Papa Bear’s Kitchen, Reposados, McDonald’s, and A&W were in attendance, alongside organizations focused on community health and safety, including BC Emergency Health Services and BC Highway Patrol. Tourism-related employers like Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Tourism Golden, and Emerald Lake Canoes were also present.
In addition, several other notable businesses took part, including rapidly growing companies such as Edison Motors. Seeing the number of organizations actively hiring offered a sense of optimism in an increasingly challenging job market.
While WorkBC deserves recognition for organizing such a successful event, the organization also provides a wide range of services that many community members may not be aware of.
These include access to job boards, computers, photocopiers, and printers, as well as assistance with resumes and cover letters. For those facing unemployment, additional support is available through one-on-one employment counselling and various skills-building programs.
The job fair also served as a valuable resource for high school students preparing to graduate or searching for summer employment. Many teachers took the opportunity to bring their classes to the event, giving students early exposure to potential career paths and employers.
Events like this highlight the importance of face-to-face interaction in the job search process. In an era dominated by online platforms such as Indeed and other job boards, the chance to meet employers in person and have meaningful conversations about specific roles is becoming increasingly rare. This direct connection can make a significant difference in helping job seekers find the right fit.
