Library planning career fair for kids

A junior career fair is being planned for March 13 from 1-4 p.m. at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, in partnership with the NCDS and the United Native Friendship Centre.
All youth aged 10 and up are encouraged to stop by to speak with local employees in many different fields.

“Our vision for this exciting event is to provide an opportunity for area youth to meet and speak to young professionals in our community in a job fair setting,” noted Andrea Avis, the library’s program director.
“We feel this may spark enthusiasm in individuals and their families.”
Avis said she’s seeking young professionals because kids will be able to identify with them more easily.
“I’m hoping they will be able to answer some questions for these kids,” she explained.
“[Such as] this is how I got here and this is what my day-to-day duties include.”
The event is expected to feature a variety of professionals, such as a lineman, a policeman, an interior designer, a carpenter, a journalist, a massage therapist, and a nutrition consultant—just to name a few.
Avis also will have some former residents available to chat with the youth via Skype.
“I have a nice selection of people I have asked,” she noted, though adding there’s still room for more.
“I’m looking for people who made a career choice, followed that path, and are now working in that chosen field,” she remarked.
Avis said if there’s anyone who thinks they fit the bill, and would be interested in participating in the career fair, they can contact her at the library.
She also is encouraging youth to come out and learn about local careers.
“[You’ll get] an opportunity to meet the pros,” she stressed. “We will have professionals on hand who walk to the walk and talk the talk.
“Find out what it takes to get there.”
Avis said she feels kids are hearing a lot of talk about jobs and job changes right now with their parents and in their home lives, so the timing might be right for a career fair.
“I’m not saying you want to rush that kind of thing with kids,” she stressed.
“But I don’t think it hurts for kids to know what kinds of jobs are out there and what they need to do to get those jobs,” she reasoned.
She added there will be refreshments and a door prize.
For more information about the career fair, contact Avis at 274-9879.