EmployNext’s first job fair on June 2 drew 240 job seekers to meet 13 employers and community partners. Nearly 80% were EmployNext clients supported by our service provider network, and eight of them have since accepted job offers.
What employers found
Employers told us the quality of candidates stood out. Alini from CBI Home Health said qualified candidates were directed to their table early in the day because they were looking for the exact roles on offer. Tyler Supignan from OnRoute said, “We have found a bunch of good candidates that will be calling very shortly.”
Other employers saw the same match between roles and talent. Paladin Security met candidates with personal support worker backgrounds interested in moving into healthcare security. Voyago Transdev found strong candidates for its charter specialist position, and GFL found good prospects, especially for laborer roles.
Sherry Cobblestone from Conestoga College said, “I have not been to a job fair that was this big in a very long time.”
What job seekers gained
Job seekers attended for free and spoke directly with recruiters who were actively hiring. Registration collected the roles and employers each person was interested in, so employers and service providers could prepare before the doors opened.
A network working together
Nine service providers in the EmployNext network came together across the Kitchener-Waterloo region to connect job seekers with employers who were hiring, and six of them also sent volunteers. Their staff built relationships with the employers in the room, giving them a direct line to hiring contacts for the clients they support.
Thank you to Region of Waterloo, Cambridge Career Connections, YMCA of 3 Rivers, Agilec, Starling Community Services, March of Dimes, Reception House, The Working Centre, and 2nd Chance for your dedication in making the day possible.
Connecting employers with local talent
When employers, service providers, and job seekers share a room, conversations turn into offers. If your business is hiring in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, reach out to EmployNext to learn how we can connect you with local talent.
