Back by British Columbian demand, a new series of 'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs will come to 22 communities beginning in January to promote current job opportunities, career trends and skills training - with the addition of a new Skills4BC booth.

The new fairs will begin in Pitt Meadows on Jan. 22 and wrap up in Vancouver on March 28.

These new fairs are a continuation of the 24 events held in communities throughout B.C. between September and November 2012, where more than 31,000 British Columbians of all ages attended, from high school students to older workers looking to re-enter the workforce.

A new 'Skills4BC' booth will be onsite at each job fair with staff to answer questions and share information on skills training in B.C.

Exhibitors at each fair will also include employers from a range of sectors, including post-secondary institutions, training authorities, industry associations and health authorities, as well as local WorkBC Employment Services Centres and the 'BC Jobs Start Here' mobile exhibit, which enables visitors to browse the BC Jobs Plan and WorkBC websites using iPads.

The 'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs are free and open to anyone looking to connect with a local employer or find more information on skills training, career development and more.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour Pat Bell -

"From public feedback, we know that British Columbians found the job fairs to be helpful in a number of ways - for connecting face-to-face with employers, for practicing interview skills, for finding out what jobs and skills are in demand, and for even learning more about B.C.'s economy. Our government is excited to extend this opportunity to even more British Columbians in the months ahead."

Quick Facts:

• Job fairs will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the following communities:

• 100 Mile House - March 7
• Barriere - March 5
• Burnaby - March 26
• Campbell River - Feb. 8
• Castlegar - Feb. 21
• Delta - Jan. 31
• Hope - Feb. 12
• Kimberly - Feb. 19
• Mission - Jan. 29
• Osoyoos - Feb. 14
• Parksville - Feb. 6
• Pitt Meadows - Jan. 22
• Port Moody - Jan. 24
• Prince George - March 14
• Quesnel - March 12
• Revelstoke - Feb. 26
• Saanich - Feb. 4
• Smithers - March 19
• Surrey - March 25
• Terrace - March 21
• Vancouver - March 28
• Vernon - Feb. 28

• The 'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs are organized as part of 'Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan', government's strategy to promote economic development and job growth throughout B.C.

• The 22 new fairs are expected to cost an additional $500,000, bringing the estimated total for the 'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs and mobile exhibit to $1.682 million.

Learn More:

'BC Jobs Start Here' job fairs: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 356-8177