The 2024 Vancouver Mega Job Fair, organized by the Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society, marked a milestone in its history by attracting over 7,000 job-seekers. The Mega Job Fair, recognized for bridging gaps between employers and potential employees, set a new precedent in fostering community and economic development within the region.
Don Davies, MP for Vancouver-Kingsway, praised the event, highlighting PICS’s instrumental role in community enrichment. “PICS has once again demonstrated its commitment to economic and community growth by successfully connecting aspiring individuals with potential employers,” Davies said, underlining the societal impact of such initiatives.
The job fair showcased a broad array of companies, from notable sponsors like BC Corrections and the Royal Bank of Canada to a variety of private and public-sector organizations. These companies conducted on-the-spot interviews, offering immediate opportunities to attendees.
With more than 140 representatives from employers, service providers and educational institutes, the fair provided invaluable resources for those seeking to advance their careers.
Anticipation for the event was palpable, with about 5,000 individuals pre-registering online and an additional 2,000 attendees dropping in, leading the venue to reach full capacity shortly after opening. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event buzzed with activity as job seekers engaged with potential employers, seeking to make crucial career connections.
Satbir Cheema, President and CEO of PICS Society, reflected on the event’s evolution since its inception in Surrey in 2005 and its expansion to Vancouver in 2018. “The Mega Job Fair has grown significantly over the years, becoming a vital platform for job seekers to explore a wide range of employment opportunities under one roof,” Cheema said.
The event received substantial support from sponsors, including BC Corrections, RBC, Better at Home, PICS Career Service, University of Canada West and Western Community College, whose contributions were pivotal to the fair’s success, the CEO noted.
Encouraged by the overwhelming positive feedback, organizers are already planning the next Mega Job Fair, scheduled for July 25 in Surrey, at the North Surrey Sport and Ice Complex. With expectations of surpassing this year’s turnout, the coming event promises to continue the tradition of connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities.
The fair brought together a diverse array of attendees and companies, creating a dynamic environment where job seekers and employers could connect. With the success of this year’s fair, the community looks forward to even greater opportunities at future events, continuing to foster economic growth and job creation in Vancouver.
For more information and registration for the coming job fair in Surrey, click here.