Job seekers can expect to find a wide array of openings ahead of the busy summer season in Haliburton at Fleming Crew Employment Centre’s job fair April 25.
The fair seeks to connect people with a range of employers, including municipalities, hospitality and trades sectors. A total of 20 employers have registered.
Information and reception assistant Sarah Adams said the fair comes in response to high demand from employers. She noted the Fleming Crew job board is overflowing, with more than 150 postings.
“It seems like we have a lot of job postings so we’re trying to get more people out to connect with employers,” Adams said.
“There’s a labour shortage,” employment and training consultant Kim Quigley said. “Any employers locally, you’ll hear them say they have issues finding staff. It’s a real challenge.”
Quigley said the difficulties have been year-round, citing a lack of housing and transportation as issues in the local job market.
Fleming is looking to address some of the gaps in the local job market. Fleming College’s Academic Upgrading program is running a computer course from May to June to help people get the skills employers are demanding.
“There’s still a bit of a gap, especially here in Haliburton. The internet is not readily accessible so people, they’re just not selfteaching themselves,” program co-ordinator Marion Willemsen said.
Prospective employees attending the job fair should come prepared, Adams said.
“They should definitely bring multiple copies of their resume,” she said. “Make a good first impression, that’s important. They should do some research ahead of time.”
Willemsen said job seekers looking to break into the market can come to Fleming Crew for help with resumes, interviews and more.
“We have this awesome service hub here with lots of resources,” she said. “We can even help people get here if they are challenged in reaching out to us here. The resources to make themselves more employable are here.”
The job fair takes place at the Pinestone Resort from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Transportation can be arranged by contacting Fleming Crew at 705-457-2020 or flemingcrew@flemingcollege.ca.
