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Something for everyone at the Black Press Extreme Education & Career Fair today

Dozens of potential job seekers poured through the doors as the Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair began today in Comox at the CFB Comox Military Family Resource Centre.
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Dozens of potential job seekers poured through the doors as the Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair began today in Comox at the CFB Comox Military Family Resource Centre.

From education, trades, hospitality, healthcare and more, representatives from a variety of industries and businesses are on hand to answer questions, provide information and receive applications from job seekers.

“One of our biggest things is brand awareness - we are a new, growing company and we want people to think of us when they’re thinking of applying for jobs,” said Megan Caldwell, recruitment co-ordinator with Broadstreet Properties.

For Tessa Stover of All In One Part Shop Event Rentals, the goal of the fair is two-fold. The company is looking to hire 10 to 15 people for summer employment, in addition to community exposure.

“(We want to get) the word out that we are located in the Comox Valley - we also have a location in Campbell River and we’re local - and just trying to reach out to people that we’re here and (show) what we offer.”

Stover noted they are also looking for the right match for an additional employee.

“We have another position that is a warehouse manager that could become a long-term position if we could find the right person for that.”

Chris Cataneo, correctional supervisor for the provincial recruitment team of BC Corrections Adult Custody Division said many people at the fair are inquiring about the basic requirements to apply for the organization and job opportunities on the Island.

“I would say we could pick up another five or so (employees) in Nanaimo or so; in Victoria … we’ re looking to hire 30 officers a year for the next three years.”

In the Comox Valley, Keith Pistell , general manager of Canadian Tire explained as a result of their growing business, they need, “new people, new energy” to bring into the business.

They are currently hiring for their garden centre, but other stores across Vancouver Island will have other positions from entry-level to senior management.

“Realistically, the possibilities are endless. Like any good career, it is what you make of it.”

Job seeker Riley Cone explained she wanted to visit the Canadian Forces booth to check on the status of her application to the military.

“I’ve done my application and I want to know if I did it correctly and what the further steps are. I want to go to university to become a pharmacist and they officer a pharmacy officer in the military. I’ve always been into sciences in school and it would offer me a good career to have my life set up.”

For Sam McInnes, the day has been very successful.

“I’ve got a lot of information. I’ve been here for 20, 25 minutes and I’ve talked to everyone I’ve wanted to already. Currently, I’m looking at expanding what I’m doing. I’m a carpenter and so I’ve talked to a building company and I’ve even talked to the army reserves because I can even work part-time on top of that.”

The Black Press Extreme Education and Career Fair runs until 6 p.m. today.