The 47th and final BC Jobs Start Here job fair kicks off in Vancouver today, giving thousands of local job seekers the chance to connect with employers and find information about job opportunities, career trends, skills training and more.

The job fairs began in September 2012 with an initial run of 24 communities, which attracted more than 31,000 British Columbians. Based on positive feedback from exhibitors and attendees, the fairs were extended through March 2013 with 23 additional stops. While a final total won't be available until early April, it is estimated that attendance has nearly tripled at the 2013 fairs.

More than 50 employers, post-secondary institutions, industry associations and training authorities are scheduled to exhibit at the Vancouver fair, making it the largest BC Jobs Start Here job fair to date.

A current list of scheduled exhibitors can be found at: www.bcjobsplan.ca/vancouver-job-fair/.

A new skills-training booth and the interactive BC Jobs Start Here mobile exhibit will also be onsite, allowing visitors to find more information on skills training and browse the BC Jobs Plan and WorkBC websites using iPads.

The fair is open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is located at:

Vancouver Convention Centre East Ballroom
Canada Place

Entry is free.

Quotes:

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

"First and foremost, the BC Jobs Start Here job fairs are about connecting employers with people who want to work, so it's great to see a record number of employers signed up for the Vancouver fair - evidence of the growing demand for skilled workers in B.C."

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"By extending the job fairs to another 23 communities, tens of thousands more British Columbians have been able to connect with employers and get the information they need on job openings, career trends, skills training and more."

Quick Facts:

• By 2020, British Columbia will see more than one million job openings, with 67 per cent of those expected for the Mainland/Southwest region.

• A total of 47 BC Jobs Start Here job fairs are being held in 42 communities at a cost of approximately $1.682 million, not including advertising.

• The job fairs are being organized as part of Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan, the Province's strategy for economic growth and job creation.

Learn More:

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

WorkBC: www.workbc.ca

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 387-2799