At least 67 exhibitors have confirmed they will attend March 1

The East Kootenay Career and Job Fair, a collaboration between College of the Rockies (COTR), Kootenay Employment Services (KES) and WorkBC, will take place at in the college gymnasium on Wednesday, March 1 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Representatives from local and provincial companies, agencies and professional associations are scheduled to be on-hand.

“After two years online, we’re excited to return to an in-person event,” said Jenn Smith, College Co-op and Employment Services Coordinator. “The EK Career and Job Fair presents an excellent opportunity for job seekers to connect directly with employers in the region and beyond.”

To kick off the event, a panel discussion and reception will be held at the College’s Lecture Theatre (KC250) on February 28 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Keynote speaker for this discussion will be inclusion expert Kate Gibbs. She will be joined by a panel of local employers and community partners for a discussion of the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces, best practices, and supports available for employers.

“At Kootenay Employment Services, we believe in the importance of creating work environments in which everyone can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully,” said Kerstin Renner, KES – Acting Client Services Coordinator. “We are excited to have our panel of experts and local employers share some of their best practices.”

All vendors at the Career and Job Fair have been provided with resources to support inclusive hiring practices and were offered a chance to identify themselves as inclusive employers. Those inclusive employers will be displaying a special banner at their booth to help start a conversation with job seekers.

“We aim to make this as inclusive an event as possible,” Smith said. “Starting at 10 a.m. job seekers who benefit from a more quiet and sensory-friendly setting will have an opportunity to meet with vendors with limited traffic and noise, low lights, and more chances to have one-on-one conversations with vendors. The event will open to the public at 11 a.m.”

In addition to the Cranbrook Career and Job Fair, in-person career events will also be hosted in:

• Creston – College of the Rockies campus, March 1, 12 – 5 p.m.
• Invermere – Community Centre, March 2, 1 – 5 p.m.

For more information on any of these activities, email [email protected]

Lead image: Inclusion expert, Kate Gibbs, will be the keynote speaker at the East Kootenay Career and Job Fair’s panel discussion and reception on February 28. Born with moderate Cerebral Palsy, Kate has accomplished more than many of us, including adaptive skiing, and is a strong advocate for inclusion in schools and workplaces. COTR photo

COTR

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