The third annual Nuu-chah-nulth Employment and Training Program (NETP) career fair was held on, March 17 at the Alberni Athletic Hall.
Close to 48 exhibitors set up booths throughout the hall to provide career training information and employment advice for the public.
Among the exhibitors were the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Bank of Canada, Long Beach Lodge Resort, Canadian Coast Guard, Island Health, RCMP and the Alberni Valley Employment Centre.
“We encourage people to bring resumes and I do know that some people are interviewed on the spot but I think it all depends on the organization,” said Shan Ross, intake coordinator with the NETP.
The NETP offers free employment programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Metis living within the Nuu-chah-nulth region.
Ross said although some people are hired on the spot at the career fair, it is common to need more schooling prior to employment with many of the exhibitors.
“We actually met two employees here last year so we definitely do find employees,” said Keith Schindler, branch manager at the Royal Bank of Canada.
Guest speakers gave speeches throughout the day, providing information on employment prerequisites and job-training advice.
Among the speakers was Harjinder Conway from Catalyst Paper, Deb Steel, editor at the Ha-shilth-sa newspaper, Sheila White from Island Health and Unika Attridge with the Canadian Armed Forces.
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