Good Spirit School Division and Parkland College were proud to co-host Career Explorations 2012. The third annual education and career fair encompassing East Central Saskatchewan was held at the Gallagher Centre Flexihall in Yorkton on Nov. 14.
Career Explorations 2012 is one of the most vibrant education and job fairs in the province. About 80 exhibitors from across Saskatchewan, Western Canada, and North Dakota attended this event. Approximately 2,000 high school students from Yorkton and the surrounding area visited their booths throughout the day.
“We’re picking up more and more momentum with each year,” said William Litchfield, Director of Advancement at Parkland College. “The number of exhibitors has increased again, and we’re very pleased to have more schools on board to offer their students a chance to check out all the possibilities under one roof.”
In October 2008 Good Spirit School Division and Parkland College signed a Learning Alliance which led to the creation of Career Explorations. The Division and the College work together to complement and enhance the services they provide.
“This event is just one of the ways we serve our students,” explained Norm Casavant, Deputy Director of Education with Good Spirit School Division. “A lot of students need some guidance when deciding on a career path. We’re getting positive feedback telling us that Career Explorations is succeeding at delivering the information they need.”
Not only does Career Explorations offer immediate access to dozens of educational institutions, but it also provides face-to-face interaction with area businesses.
“It’s important that we give students access to all the options so they can make an informed decision for the future,” Litchfield noted. “Universities and tech schools are here, but lots of companies are hiring right now and they can be a good fit for many young people.”
Numerous employers had booths set up, including companies from the mining, agriculture, construction, and service industries, among others.
Close to two dozen exhibitors also made presentations to visitors over the course of the day. In total, there were 40 information sessions, each lasting 30 minutes. The presentations took place in convention rooms throughout the Gallagher Centre.
A new feature this year was a late-day family portion of the event. Exhibitors re-opened their booths from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to give working parents an opportunity to visit them with their teens.
“We had many families interested in attending an evening session and we want to accommodate them,” Casavant said. “As this event evolves and grows, we are committed to bringing these options right to families in the best way possible.”
– 30 –
Contact information:
Brendan Wagner, Communications Officer
Parkland College
Phone: 306.728.6595
Email: b.wagner@parklandcollege.sk.ca
Lynel Martinuk, Communications Coordinator
Good Spirit School Division
Phone: 306.786.5501
Email: lmartinuk@mail.gssd.ca