More than 2,100 high school students from the Parkland region attended Career Explorations 2014 at the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton on Thursday. The fifth annual education and career fair attracted over 80 exhibitors from Saskatchewan, Western Canada, and North Dakota.

Career Explorations is one of the most vibrant education and job fairs in the province. It is organized by Parkland College, Good Spirit School Division, and Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools, and is the largest such event in East Central Saskatchewan.

“It’s extremely important that students know what’s out there after high school, whether it’s post-secondary education, trades apprenticeships, or entering the workforce directly,” explained Dwayne Reeve, Director of Education with Good Spirit School Division. “We want them to be aware of their options.”

Career Explorations offers immediate access to dozens of educational institutions and numerous businesses from across Western Canada, including companies from the mining, agriculture, construction, and government sectors.

“We are always happy to hear how much this event helps both students and exhibitors,” said Dr. Fay Myers, Parkland College President. “It really gives students an idea of the many diverse options available to them upon graduation. And our exhibitors frequently tell us how much value they get out of attending.”

A new feature this year that proved quite popular with the students was the Try-a-Trade area in the Nexera Flexihall. Organizers invited several influential local companies and trades organizations to set up hands-on booths. Students had the opportunity to experience the work that tradespeople do and to find out what employers are looking for in potential recruits and how to start a career in the trades.

Career Explorations was born out of a Learning Alliance signed in 2008 between Good Spirit School Division and Parkland College. Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools has expanded its role since joining the organizing committee in 2012.

Plans for the sixth annual Career Explorations event in 2015 are already underway. The event will occur again in November, with a date yet to be determined based on venue availability and feedback from exhibitors.

– 30 –

Contact information:

Brendan Wagner, Communications Officer
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595

Lynel Martinuk, Communications Coordinator
Good Spirit School Division
Phone: 306.786.5501