Career fair draws crowds of students to KPU Tech

Wed, Nov 9, 2022

Kwantlen Polytechnic University students and alumni discovered more about the rewarding jobs in high-demand industries today at the university’s annual Trades and Technology Career Fair.

The KPU Tech campus in Cloverdale hosted the Nov. 9 event, which connects the next generation of workers with employers seeking candidates for a variety of skilled trades positions.

Laura McDonald, dean of the Faculty of Trades and Technology, says the career fair is a chance for KPU students to discover a host of exciting, well-paying jobs that are available in the trades.

“The need for skilled tradespeople in B.C. is growing. It’s exciting for us to help students on their path to a satisfying career through KPU’s apprenticeship and foundation training programs.”

KPU’s Faculty of Trades and Technology offers apprenticeship and foundation training in numerous trades programs endorsed by the Industry Training Authority. Also based at the KPU Tech campus are technology programs in mechatronics and advanced manufacturing technology, and farrier science.

A variety of industries are expected to have thousands of job openings for apprentices in the skilled trades over the next 10 years, according to B.C.’s Labour Market Outlook.

High demand exists in numerous trades, including for automotive service technicians, carpenters, electricians, welders and plumbers and construction millwrights.

Twenty-two employers participated in Wednesday’s career fair, including Aerotek, B.C. Regional Council of Carpenters, Lafarge, Seaspan and NorLand Limited.

“Post-secondary institutions like KPU are extremely important for our industry, to foster an interest in hands-on trades that often don’t receive the attention they deserve,” says Chloe Hansen, human resources coordinator at NorLand Limited, a group of 15 construction businesses.

“There is so much opportunity in the trades, and to give younger workers a chance to explore what their interests are and to try different things is a great way to ensure they secure the skills they need for a long and fulfilling career.”

According to KPU’s Career Development Centre, which organized the career fair, employers come to the event to meet students – and they’re often looking to hire.

“Career fairs are wonderful opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals, and quite possibly, land their next job. Students can connect with potential employers on campus, in their field of study. Career fairs also provide the opportunity to explore jobs and careers that are new to students,” says Julia Denker, director of the Career Development Centre (CDC).

Career fairs are just one of numerous services the CDC provides students and graduates to prepare them to enter the workforce. The CDC hosts KPU’s largest online job and volunteer opportunities board, and offers assistance with writing cover letters and resumes. Support is also provided for interviewing and networking, including mock interview opportunities and job-readiness workshops.