Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

Peace River is set to welcome back its job fair, set to take place at River Drive Mall on Sept. 25.

“We believe this type of event is the most effective way to put the job seeker and the employer into a room and fill those vacant positions. It is a great opportunity for on-the-spot hiring,” says Peace River economic development committee Member Kaye Tice.

“This job fair is a collaborative effort between our committee, the Town of Peace River, and Peace River and District Chamber of Commerce.”

The job fair will be held from 4-7 p.m., and Tice says there will be a little bit for every interest group. She says regardless of what type of job you’re looking for, there will likely be an employer at the fair showcasing a business that will appeal to you.

“We encourage employers from across all industries to sign up, and so far, we have entries for hospitality to oil and gas,” she explains, noting there’s still room to enter a business, too.

“Everyone is welcome!”

Any business looking to highlight available positions, potential employees, or employment counsellors are all welcome to attend the fair.

“(The fair) allows for active job seekers to engage with employers and for employers to get a good feel for a potential worker in an easy-going setting,” Tice notes.

“Job seekers come with resumes in hand ready to fill vacant positions within an organization,” she adds.

“Plus, we have some fantastic employer packages we give out with plenty of resources for future hiring.”

Tice says the job fair is also a great opportunity for people looking for jobs to show their ambition and to get a feel for what is available for jobs.

“We also have some fun draws this year to win a $250 grocery gift card, who doesn’t need that?” she asks.

“This is such an effective way to put the two pieces together in filling vacant positions. Holding the event in our downtown core allows for people who may not have access to transportation to attend as well.”

Tice says this is the third annual job fair and she anticipates this to continue to be an annual event.

“People are starting to get used to the idea of it being held annually and it seems to fit with open positions as school-aged kids, summer workers, head back to school,” she says.

“Last year, we had 37 employer booths, and we are hoping to hit that mark again.”

Employer cost to have a booth is $52.50 and registration forms can be found at https://tinyurl.com/3nd8btwx. Booths come with a table, personalized sign advertising positions available, and beneficial resources like interview questions and other human resource information.