An innovative, engaging travelling exhibition for youth is refuelling and heading back on the road for another round of connecting with young people and their families, educating them on labour market trends and the multitude of career opportunities in B.C.

JobFest is a rock-concert themed mobile event that is designed to get youth and young adults excited about their futures, while teaching them about the various tools and resources government has developed to support them in their quest to find their perfect career. During its tour of Northern B.C., more than 3,700 people in rural and remote communities came out to see what the buzz was all about.

The exhibit features B.C.-based rock bands - including Acres of Lions, who joined the Northern JobFest tour - local community talent and speakers, two giant tents that look like amplifiers - one that will showcase the online career resources and tools, and one that is set up as a temporary tattoo parlour, where youth can select a removable tattoo of their chosen career and listen to a short presentation about that career while having the tattoo applied - and more.

JobFest was launched in April and, when it wraps up in October, the touring road show will have visited 50 communities all over the province. The southern tour kicked off today in Abbotsford, with Minister of Health and Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong in attendance. The project is funded through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

Quotes:

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"There is a wealth of career opportunities right here in B.C. for young people, along with a wide number of training paths to consider - and this is only going to grow as our economy continues to grow and our population ages."

"JobFest is helping youth educate themselves on their options, and learn more about careers that might interest them - whether it's a career in the trades or becoming an entrepreneur. It's a fun, engaging way for them to start thinking about their future."

Michael de Jong, MLA for Abbotsford West -

"It's really exciting to see the progress being made on B.C.'s Jobs Plan, here in Abbotsford and right across the province."

"JobFest is a great way to bring the community together and allow youth to learn about the various employment opportunities we have in B.C."

Quick Facts:

• Over the next decade, there will be over one million job openings in British Columbia. There will be over 350,000 new jobs expected, and growth in the demand for workers will exceed the growth in available supply by 61,500 by 2020.
• The BC Jobs Plan will ensure the over $500 million provided annually for labour market and training programs is targeted to meeting regional and industry labour market needs.
• Labour market tools that are being highlighted at JobFest include:

• Career Trek - A web application hosting videos of highlighted jobs throughout the province. Follow our Career Trek hosts as they travel 8,200 kilometres throughout B.C. to bring 52 careers to life. For jobseekers 15-25 years old: www.careertrekbc.ca
• WorkBC.ca - Great enhancements to our labour market and career information portal have been made, including a new job search function. Explore an abundance of information from job postings to careers to training programs. Other features include occupation profiles, and an education-to-career pathfinder tool. For job seekers, career planners and employers: www.workbc.ca
• Job Trend Tracker - Explore B.C. job statistics on more than 500 careers, with outlooks from 2010 to 2020. Compare information by year and region to look ahead and make decisions. For industry and career planners 18-25 years old: www.bcjobtrendtracker.ca
• Build a Career Application - A Smartphone application for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, iPad and Internet. The career suitability quiz helps to discover the breadth of careers in B.C and provide details on 520 careers, including education, salaries and job prospect information. For youth 14-18 years old: www.buildacareer.ca
• Career Explorers - A 3-D online video game that explores the many career options available in B.C. and its regions. Badges and mini-games make it fun to "travel" the province and learn about different careers. For youth 8-10 years old: www.careerexplorers.ca

Learn More:

For JobFest tour dates, bios on the crew, and more, visit: http://www.jobfest2012.ca

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-8177