Nanaimo residents will have three opportunities on Thursday (Feb. 9) to hop a bus free of charge to attend the Black Press Extreme Career Fair in Courtenay.
The bus will leave from the Frank Crane Arena, 2300 Bowen Rd., at 9 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
In Courtenay, the Florence Filberg Centre and Native Sons Hall will be transformed into Vancouver Island’s largest career expo. More than 80 exhibitors will showcase who they are — and why they want you.
The event will feature Ted Talk-style presentations at the Filberg throughout the day, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Numerous companies will deliver 15-minute pitches about the benefits of joining their teams. They will then answer questions for 15 minutes.
Company booths will be set up on both levels of the Filberg and at the Native Sons Hall.
Attendees will hear presentations from Hub Barton Insurance, 19 Wing Comox, North Island Employment Foundations Society, Westland Insurance, Home Depot, Marine Harvest and Black Press. North Island College, Royal Roads University and Discovery Community College will also have stage time.
Black Press expects 5,000 to 8,000 attendees — from Nanaimo to Port Hardy — including students, grads, unemployed individuals, and new career searchers looking for a better or new opportunity.
Black Press has arranged a free shuttle service to and from the event. It will run all day, from Nanaimo, Campbell River, Comox and Cumberland.
Attendees are advised to dress as if going to a job interview. Be prepared to have on-the-spot consults.
They are also encouraged to maximize time at the career fair, where they can expect ‘face time’ with employers.
And make sure to collect business cards and follow-up with a professional thank you letter after the event.