The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society’s PICS Mega Job Fair comes to the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver next month.
Connecting job-seekers and employers from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 22, the job fair has been a staple in Vancouver’s job market landscape for more than 15 years.
“One of the largest of its kind, our job fair brings together over 100 exhibitors,” says Raj Hundal, Senior Director of Employment, Planning & Program Development at PICS.
The event caters to a diverse range of job seekers, from newcomers in Canada to professionals seeking new career paths. The fair received 7,000 participants last year through online registration or on the day of the event.
“It’s not just about the number of employers but also the diversity. We have everything from security guard companies to big-box retailers, grocery chains and service providers like YMCA,” Hundal explains.
“This event is truly unique in catering to everyone’s needs, whether it’s construction, trades or more specialized fields like engineering.”
Job seekers are advised to dress professionally and bring copies of their resume. “Many employers conduct on-the-spot interviews and even offer potential hirings,” Hundal notes, emphasizing the fair’s effectiveness in facilitating direct employer-job seeker interactions.
Reflecting on the fair’s history and success, the involvement of prominent community figures also stands out for Hundal.
“Every year we typically have the mayor and extend an invitation to the board of trade for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It’s an event that’s actively advocated for at municipal and federal levels.”
The PICS Mega Job Fair not only serves as a vital platform for job seekers and employers but also highlights PICS’ commitment to serving the community since 1987. With a broad spectrum of programs and services, PICS continues to play a crucial role in supporting new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, refugees, women and youth.
For more information, visit megajobfair.ca. To see the full list of exhibitors, click here, and to reserve your spot, register here.