The Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area (SDC) and the Employability Network are excited to announce the remarkable success of the 2024 Cornwall and Area Job Fair, held on Wednesday, April 24th, at the Cornwall Civic Complex. This year’s event surpassed all expectations, drawing an impressive crowd of 1700 job seekers, which is 400 more attendees than the previous record set in 2023.
The Job Fair, featuring Skills Ontario, played a pivotal role in connecting job seekers with local employers, with over 70 businesses and service providers participating. It served as a platform for fostering meaningful connections aimed at addressing the region’s urgent workforce needs.
“We were delighted to see such strong participation in this year’s job fair. As an Employment Ontario service provider, our presence allowed us to directly engage with job seekers in our community. Through meaningful conversations, we could provide insights into our services and available resources to individuals navigating their employment journey,” said Kimberly Arbic, Director of Community Relations at Job Zone d’emploi.
The inclusion of language support further enhanced the event’s inclusivity, with volunteers proficient in multiple languages available to assist job seekers in interacting with employers and overcoming language barriers.
“I found the job fair to be exceptionally well-organized, with valuable language support and convenient transportation. It facilitated seamless connections with a diverse pool of candidates, benefiting both employers and applicants alike. We look forward to the next job fair!” expressed Krista Periard, General Manager of Chartwell McConnell Retirement Residences.
A standout feature of this year’s event was the provision of transportation from various regions, including Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Akwesasne, and Cornwall. Attendees were provided with complimentary bus services from designated locations across the region, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all participants.
Carilyne Hébert, Executive Director of the SDC, emphasized the event’s importance in addressing immediate workforce challenges while nurturing long-term economic prosperity. “By facilitating direct connections, we are not only tackling immediate challenges but also investing in the sustained vitality of our workforce and economy. We remain committed to empowering individuals with rewarding career opportunities and equipping industries with the skilled workforce they urgently require.”
The success of the 2024 Cornwall and Area Job Fair was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Skills Ontario, WCG and Employment Ontario, Cornwall Economic Development Department, Eastern Ontario Training Board, Newcomer Employment & Welcome Services, St-Lawrence College Cornwall Student Union, Akwesasne Career and Employment Support Services, City of Cornwall, SDG Counties, Job Zone d’ Emploi, and Glengarry Inter Agency Group.
