Richmond Service Canada Holds First Annual Youth Fair

With the need for youth to gain employable skills, work experience and many other resume-builders increasing, youth employment is becoming a much more important issue for teens. However, many teens can find it difficult to not only seek out employment opportunities but also to acquire these much needed skills.

In order to tackle this growing problem, Service Canada Centres for Youth has many branches to address these challenges and on July 14th the Richmond Service Canada Centre for Youth (SCCY) hosted a Youth Fair at Lansdowne Shopping Centre. The event was held in order to expose and connect youth with potential employers, and create an environment where young people could network. Some of the exhibitors included Aerotek, A-Star Studios, Emily Carr University, WorkSafe BC and Langara College.

Not only were many employers and companies present at the fair, but the Honourable Dr. Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Richmond also made an appearance and addressed those in attendance as part of the fair's opening ceremony. In her speech Dr. Wong stated, “I have been working with youth all of my life… youth are our future.” When asked what prompted her to get involved in the fair, she replied, “Before politics I used to work with a lot of youth myself as the international project manager for Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and I was also the person in charge of a Rotarian program for young people.” The youth fair also featured great entertainment, but most importantly, it allowed youth to gain some valuable knowledge that will assist them in their search for employment.

Service Canada provided skill training at the fair, such as resumé, cover letter and interview tips, all of which can be obtained through the drop-in services at the various Service Canada Centres for Youth. The SCCY also has computers where people between the ages of 15-30 can access online job banks, which has been a very valuable resource for youth. According to Julisse Lecca, Youth Services Officer for Service Canada, the Richmond SCCY has posted 110 jobs for young people, of which 40 have been full time, 55 have been part-time and 15 were odd jobs. Programs for youth with disabilities, lack of education or other barriers are also present at SCCY. So whether you're looking to gain some tips on how to write cover letters or are looking to secure a job, Service Canada Centres for Youth is the place for you!

The Lower Mainland Service Canada Centres for Youth (SCCYs) are here to help you with your job search! If you are looking for casual, part-time, or full-time summer employment, the SCCYs are a great place to start. All of the employers who post jobs with our office are specifically looking to fill these positions with young people. A thorough job search means researching more than one source to find job openings. In addition to the SCCYs, there are many other sources of potential summer jobs. Other possible sources to consider when you are looking for a job include:

• Telling everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Tell friends, neighbours, teachers, relatives, former employers and anyone else you can think of. Many positions are filled through personal contacts.

• Check the yellow pages in the telephone book. Make a list of businesses that might have the kind of job that you are looking for and contact them yourself.

•Read the want ads in newspapers. Many businesses and organizations advertise in the newspaper, so check it often.

•Positions may be posted on bulletin boards right at the place of business. Keep your eyes open.

•Drop off your résumé at places that are of interest to you. Many businesses and organizations don't advertise publicly. They want applicants who are interested to come to them.

•Do some research on the Internet. You can access job postings from any computer with an Internet connection and look for opportunities in your area or all over the country.

There are 9 SCCYs within the Lower Mainland that are open and helping youth and employers each year from May to August. To learn more about the SCCYs or to find the location nearest you please call 604-658-8358 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am and 5 pm on Friday or go to servicecanada.gc.ca.