Hundreds descend on Calgary job fair as Alberta Works Week kicks off

Hundreds of job seekers gathered at an employment fair on the Stampede grounds in Calgary on Monday one of more than 100 such events planned across Alberta this week.

Among them wasManuel Navarro, whowas hoping for work in sales in the wine or food industry, but has been struggling because all of his previous experience is in the Colombianjob market.

"Canadians ask for the Canadian experience that I don't have right now," he said. "I'm looking for a person who can give me a chance so I can show them that I know my work."

One company that was looking to hire was Saunders Landscaping,which does high-end commercial landscaping.

Finding generallabourers isn't hard, but turnover is an ongoing issue for Tammy Lidstone, a human resources officer.

"We're finding that because we are seasonal, a whole lot of people don't want to stick around with us. We have positions where if they continually work with us throughout the year, we can train them up to a landscaper position, which is actually a very good wage," she said.

Many of the employers at the fair werelooking for entry-level and medium-skilled employees in sectors such as landscaping and the service industry.

The next career is out there for job seekers, said Nicole Jelley, executive director with Talent Pool, which helped organize the Your Future Is Now! Job Fair.

"It's a matter of really looking, of doing research, of understanding how the landscape may be slightly changing. And network, network, network because otherwise you'll never know which industry sector is looking for you," she said.

The job fair was just one of hundreds taking place in Calgary and around the province this week, as part of Alberta Works Week April 24-28. More information can be found on the provincial Alberta Works Week webpage.

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