More than 133,000 British Columbians attended the BC Jobs Start Here job fairs to connect with employers and learn more about the job opportunities and skills-training tools and resources available in B.C.

Final tally for the provincewide fairs:

• 47 job fairs in 42 communities
• 133,481 attendees
• More than 470 exhibitors

Exhibitors at each fair included employers from a range of sectors, post-secondary institutions, industry associations, training authorities and local WorkBC Employment Services Centres. The BC Jobs Start Here mobile exhibit was also onsite to answer questions and help visitors navigate the BC Jobs Plan and WorkBC websites using iPads.

In 2013, a new skills-training kiosk was added to showcase more than 50 Career Trek videos and share information on skills training in B.C.

Although the fairs have now concluded, British Columbians can still learn more about working in B.C. - from job openings and job trends to skills training, career profiles and more - through the WorkBC website, where online tools include Career Explorers, Career Pathfinder, Cost of Living Calculator, Career Trek BC, Build a Career, Boss Yourself, and the new Labour Market Navigator.

Quote:

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

"Our government is thrilled that so many people attended the job fairs and were able to walk away with something valuable - whether a new connection with an employer, an interview, or the information needed to take advantage of the job opportunities available today and down the road."

Quick Facts:

• 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.
• Job fairs took place in the following communities, with the attendance noted:
• 100 Mile House - 1,960
• Abbotsford - 625
• Barriere - 840
• Burnaby - 7,840
• Burns Lake - 250
• Campbell River - 5,544
• Castlegar - 6,468
• Chilliwack - 1,250
• Coquitlam - 1,400
• Courtenay/Comox - 960
• Cranbrook - 475
• Delta - 3,822
• Fort St. John - 550
• Gibsons - 165
• Hope - 3,612
• Kamloops - 1,050
• Kelowna - 2,700
• Kimberly - 4,564
• Maple Ridge - 850
• Mission - 1,092
• Nanaimo - 650
• Osoyoos - 2,940
• Parksville - 5,712
• Penticton - 775
• Pitt Meadows - 430
• Port Alberni - 300
• Port Moody - 3,075
• Prince George - 5,750
• Prince Rupert - 2,388
• Quesnel - 3,612
• Revelstoke - 2,555
• Richmond - 2,200
• Saanich - 10,836
• Salmon Arm - 675
• Smithers -2,856
• Squamish - 350
• Surrey - 10,521
• Terrace - 4,943
• Vancouver - 17,466
• Vernon - 7,492
• 1,520
• Williams Lake - 410
• The job fairs and the BC Jobs Start Here mobile exhibit together cost approximately $1.682 million, not including advertising.
• The mobile exhibit also toured the province in summer 2012, visiting 14 communities and reaching 156,269 British Columbians.
• The job fairs were 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/job-fairs

Get Skills tool: www.BCJobsPlan.ca/getskills

WorkBC: www.WorkBC.ca

Media Contact:

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