Youths to find their power

Youths in the market for work are in for a bit of help Thursday on Edmonton’s south side. The fourth annual YOUth Power career and job event is set to bring employers and prospective employees together in one big open forum.

St. Albert organizer Rowena Cui practically guaranteed a successful time for attendees.

“If they’re looking for a job, they’ll find one this Thursday,” she said.

The trade show atmosphere will feature 40 exhibitors but no booths. It’s completely open by design, she explained, in order to maximize the interactions between the two groups.

Government workers will offer résumé help in the career corner and there will be on-site interviews. Many employers will be hiring on the spot too.

Numerous exhibitors will also be offering demonstrations. Blacktop Paving will have a mechanic on hand to show off the tools of the trade. Active Physio Works Clinics will have balance beams as exercise equipment to aid them in talking about how to take care of your body and spine on job sites and how to care for injuries should they happen.

“There will be a lot of cool demos on site with our young people.”

For example, Cui said that the Edmonton Police Service will also have a “handcuffing station.”

“Youth can test handcuffs, handcuff each other … the EPS will be there with cadets.”

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson will be on site from 5 to 6 p.m. to talk about his journey through his political career and answer questions.

Other exhibitors include post-secondary institutions, Women Building Futures, Cameron Driver Education, and DECSA (Distinctive Employment Counseling Services of Alberta), a non-profit organization that helps people with employment barriers to find work.

Edmonton Fire and Rescue will also be there to talk about fire safety. Cui said that the kitchen is often the source of house fires for people in the target age demographic.

“They’ll have a stovetop kitchen demo that they’re going to set up. Young people will have to stop the hazard and then they win a prize.”

No one will go home empty handed. Organizers have swag bags including USB sticks, chapsticks, and rubber bracelets) for attendees, plus all of the vendors will have giveaways and contests too.

There will also be free food.

“We’re encouraging young people not to worry about hopping on the bus right after school or work. We’ll have Famoso Pizzeria delivering hot and ready pizza every hour on the hour to all attendees.”

Tim Hortons and Mac’s Convenience Stores will have other food and refreshments to give out.

Cui said the event has been gaining popularity since it moved from Edmonton’s city hall last year. She anticipates attendance of close to 1,000 young people aged 14 to 30, more than triple what it used to be.