Job seekers meet with local employers at the 2024 ontrac Job Fair
Job hunters across Renfrew County are curious about the direction of the local labour market going into 2025, and the experts say that it’s a familiar story.
Sherri Harris, the job developer with Renfrew’s ontrac office, says the top needs in the region are trending towards manufacturers like Mativ (the former SCAPA Tape) and Roseburg Forest Products, tourism opportunities like Splash Valley Works, seasonal opportunities in private construction, and the longstanding needs for more health care workers.
Those companies will be among the dozens on hand for their annual job fair at the Renfrew Legion coming up on Wednesday, February 26th, where job seekers can have valuable one-on-one meetings with top local employers at a time when the job market is getting much tougher to break into as more people re-enter the workforce.
The event is open to those seeking their first jobs as well as people looking for a change of careers. Harris adds that employers are just as eager to meet with potential fits as those looking for a job, some companies going as far as hiring particularly impressive candidates on the spot.
Regardless of the course you take to make it to the job fair, Harris’ best advice is to not get swept up in the moment.
The job fair will also feature community groups like Enterprise Renfrew County and the County’s Economic Division, who will offer skill improvement and self-employment opportunities.
People in the Renfrew area looking to brush up their resume or get tips on nailing their interviews can drop by the ontrac office on Argyle Street South this Thursday, February 20th, at 1:30 p.m. for a workshop they say will help organize your time at the job fair and find ways to outshine the crowd.
(written by Kasey Egan)