More than 2,000 high school students from the Parkland region attended Career Explorations 2015 at the Gallagher Centre in Yorkton on November 20. The sixth annual education and career fair attracted close to 90 exhibitors from Saskatchewan, Western Canada, and North Dakota.
Career Explorations is the largest education and job fair in East Central Saskatchewan. It is organized by Parkland College, Good Spirit School Division, and Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools.
鈥淭he goal of this career fair is to show students all the options available to them once they finish high school,鈥� said Dwayne Reeve, Parkland College president. 鈥淪ome students will want to go directly into post-secondary education or trades apprenticeships, while others may want to find a job right away. We just want them to be aware of their options.鈥�
Career Explorations puts all these options under one roof. Students and visitors have access to information from dozens of educational institutions and numerous businesses, including companies from the mining, agriculture, construction, and government sectors.
鈥淭his event is very positive for our students,鈥� said Rhae-Ann Holoien, Director of Education with Good Spirit School Division. 鈥淒eciding on a career path or even just what to do after graduation is often difficult and we know a well-rounded experience like this can help them in making those important decisions.鈥�
After much success at last year鈥檚 career fair, the Try-a-Trade area in the Nexera Flexihall was brought back. Select local companies and trades organizations set up hands-on booths where students could experience the work that trades people do and find out what it takes to start a career in the trades.
鈥淭he organizing committee is always looking for ways to improve the experience for students,鈥� said Chad Holinaty, Superintendent of Education with Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools. 鈥淎 lot of students learn best by doing, and that鈥檚 what makes the Try-a-Trade area such a popular feature. It really adds another dimension to our event.鈥�
Career Explorations was born out of a Learning Alliance signed in 2008 between Good Spirit School Division and Parkland College. Christ the Teacher Catholic Schools has expanded its role since joining the organizing committee in 2012.
