Local businesses are vital in any city and those in Prince George are stepping up to help students preparing to enter the workforce.
The Prince George Chamber of Commerce, as well as the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and UNBC, are hosting a Pre-NorthWorks event this Thursday (Feb. 28), a prelude to the NorthWorks Career Fair taking place on Mar. 6.
The Chamber says they listened to local businesses and their ideas that would help make potential employees more aware of the recruitment process and challenges when starting a job.
The local businesses involved will help post-secondary students with topics that aren't usually brought up in the classroom, including occupational health and safety, job interview preparation, networking techniques, resume preparation employment standards, contracts, as well as getting along with coworkers.
Attn: @UNBC and @cnc_bc_ca students. Enhance your potential at Career Skills sessions hosted by @PGChamber1. Topics include resume writing, working with a new team, employment standards & contracts, interview skills, networking & workplace safety. Visit https://t.co/cQPDLhMQRn pic.twitter.com/VIVB5nqrbD
— University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) (@UNBC) February 25, 2019
"Through our partnerships with CNC and UNBC, it is our responsibility to provide businesses in Prince George with the opportunity to speak directly with future entrepreneurs and business leaders - sharing their learnings and ideas in an open and welcoming formant," CEO of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Todd Corrigall, says in a news release. "In seeing the trends of lower and lower unemployment numbers, these connections will prove incredibly valuable to business leaders and students alike."
Heather Sadler James, 3 Green Lights, The Northern Health Authority, Taxwerx, UNBC Co-Operative Education, as well as WorkSafeBC will be on hand presenting.
"I know from my own experience how important networking is to growing a business or building a career," Matt Hutcheon, founder of Taxwerx and director of Conterra Financial, adds in the release. "I was also fortunate to have had a couple of incredible mentors who provided invaluable guidance to me along the way. I'm keen for this chance to share my experience with students so they can perhaps better make connections that will expedite their careers and businesses."
Here are the following presenters and their subject area:
- Diane Bourret - founder of 3 Green Lights: will enlighten the audience with insights on making the first few weeks on the job easier
- Jeff Postnikoff, Occupational Safety Office with WorkSafeBC: will inform the students on some basic occupational health and safety concepts
- Kimberly Pavo - a lawyer with Heather Sadler Jenkins: will discuss some basics from the employment standards act
- Megan Noble, Co-Operative Education Lead at UNBC: will present insights into a resume and cover letter design
- Steven Prins, Healthcare Recruiter from Northern Health: will provide insights into job interviews
"This is a unique partnership for our students as we prepare them for successful careers and leadership roles after they graduate," UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks says in the release. "It's another example of how the university is starting connected to the Chamber of Commerce and the business community to support positive learning opportunities in Prince George."
The workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Canfor Theatre at UNBC.
