Job fair doesn’t see spike in attendance

The Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre Job Fair + saw a steady pace of attendees, allowing for good conversations between employers and potential employees. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

There were no huge jumps in the number of people attending the Job Fair + on May 1, which is likely a sign there haven’t been any spikes in unemployment.

The event was organized by the Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre, in conjunction with several partners, and featured more than 20 employers who were hiring.

More than half way through the 1 to 5 p.m. event, there had been 171 people register, which is down about 15 from the last time the event was held.

Gail Lonsberry, employment services manager, said there haven’t been a lot of people laid off from CAMI seeking assistance looking for jobs. She hasn’t heard of any large local layoffs, either

With about 20 to 30 job seekers in the room, held in the Lion’s Auditorium, MSC job developer Susan DeRoo, said, “It’s been this speed all day, which is good. There’s been some good connections made.”

There was even one company doing job interviews on the spot.

“Those are things we like to see,” DeRoo commented.

She pointed out all the companies in attendance were hiring. These ranged from Ontario Truck Driving School, and CarePartners to Courtland Landscape and Grounds, Future Transfer Co., and Thames Valley District School Board and Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital.

DeRoo said there are also some smaller restaurants hiring, but they often don’t attend the job fair because the owners can’t get away.