More than 1700 students from across the Peace region descended on the Entrec Centre yesterday afternoon for CAREERexpo Grande Prairie. The event gave students a exposure to 70 companies and post-secondary institutions from across the province. Show Manager Patti Stewart says the expo aims to give kids a more hands on approach to career investigation.
“It’s not a matter of just walking past booths and having conversations, but rather they can actually touch and feel and get to understand a little bit more about certain careers by just getting that much closer to the subject.”
Stewart says the companies they do see wanting to take part are the ones that are looking at the big picture.
“We are looking for businesses who are willing to invest in the youth of the community with a potential for a return maybe five or six years down the road. If we have another goal associated with this show, it’s to ensure that kids realize that there’s so many opportunities right in their home community.”
Student attendance at Career Expo Grande Prairie tripled from last year, while the amount of exhibits doubled. Stewart says the numbers are encouraging, and she hopes to see it grow even more in future years.