Penticton job fair expected to attract hundreds looking for work

What is being billed as the biggest job fair in the Okanagan takes place tomorrow. 

The Start Here Okanagan Job Fair goes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre.

City of Penticton economic development specialist Jennifer Vincent said the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't rattled local employment markets yet.

“I think we’ll see lots of people using hand sanitizer and maybe changing how we greet each other, but I think everyone is still pretty keen. I’m seeing job seekers lining up by the minute,” Vincent said. “We’ve got a full house and we’ve got 350 registered job seekers. I’m sure there will be more who will turn up during the day."

Forty-two employers will be represented at the fair.

Vincent says the job fair is a new initiative but has been successful because of “great partnerships.”

"We’re partnering with the employment and training resources in the community. I think it’s going to be a good one, and we’re hoping to do this again in the future,” she said.

The event is free to all Okanagan job seekers.

Last November, the City partnered with WorkBC to host a job fair after a major employer in Penticton reduced its workforce.

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