Organizers of a job fair taking place tonight in South Surrey say it is a pay-it-forward event that offers local youth an opportunity to connect with local employers.
Set for 5-9 p.m. Wednesday (May 14) at the Bayside Rugby Clubhouse (14600 20 Ave.), the job fair is a collaboration between the rugby club and Elgin Park Secondary alumni, said Sue Janzen, the high school's career development facilitator.
"It's kind of a win-win," Janzen said Friday (May 9), noting it is fuelled by a desire to invest in the future of youth by showcasing potential employment opportunities for students and young people from across the Peninsula; benefiting the youth as well as the local economy.
Realizing good opportunities exist close to home – whether it's a summer internship or a job on return from university – can spark all kinds of inspiration for youth, Janzen noted.
"When you see jobs and you see possibility, then they get excited about their future."
Bayside president Geoff Cutler – an EPS alumnus himself – said Monday that 17 employers have signed up so far to participate, representing careers ranging from firefighting and policing to real estate, trades and accounting. Noting the Bayside Sharks community is comprised of grads from across the Peninsula and beyond, Cutler said the club wanted to be involved as a way of giving back to local graduates.
"By using our rugby clubhouse as a venue to promote local business and assist youth in researching potential career choices and current job opportunities, we felt was an important way to give back to the community," he said.
"Some employers are from Semiahmoo Secondary and Earl Marriott Secondary as well," he added.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University will also be represented.
Janzen noted tables at the job fair are open to any White Rock or South Surrey employer interested in participating. EPS student leaders will facilitate the event and be on-hand to welcome those who attend, she added.
Students interested in what the job fair has to offer, but who are unable to attend Wednesday, may email Cutler at president@baysiderfc.com for possible connections to the participating employers.
Cutler also encouraged employers who want to get involved to contact him.
"We're always looking for more employers, so we will accept walk-ins if need be," he said. Also, "if any employers are interested, they are welcome to contact me and we will put them at the top of the list for our next job fair."
Both Janzen and Cutler said the hope is to make the job fair at least an annual event.
"I can see this getting bigger and bigger every year," said Janzen.
