OCNews

Okanagan College is powering up a new virtual employment fair next month to help connect students, alumni, job seekers in the community and employers from across the region.

Empowering Employment is a virtual career fair to be held on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Anyone interested in attending as a job seeker or showcasing their business as an exhibitor can learn more at www.okanagan.bc.ca/empowering. Exhibitor space, although virtual, is still limited and so interested organizations should plan to register soon to ensure their spot. Employer registration closes on Jan. 22.

“This event is going to be such a great opportunity for our OC students, alumni – and the public – to connect with employers from a wide range of sectors across the Okanagan,” says event organizer Erin Pedro, a Student, Graduate and Co-op Employment Coordinator at Okanagan College.

“Our goal is to empower employers and students alike, recognizing that these are challenging times when it comes to networking. We hope it will be a great way for businesses to showcase their opportunities without the usual in-person networking events to which we’re all accustomed.”

While the pandemic forced the cancellation of the College’s popular annual Business Expo and Employment Fair in its usual format, this event was designed to be an alternative that would still offer the College community and employers a chance to connect virtually.

As Pedro points out, with many people still building their skills and comfort with online networking events such as this, the event organizers will be hosting sessions in advance for anyone looking to spruce up their skills.

There will be a resume and cover letter workshop titled Land That Job on Jan. 26, from 2:30-4 p.m. and another session called Virtual Networking Hacks on Jan. 28, also from 2:30-4 p.m. Pre-registration is required; both sessions are free.