- by Madeline Matcheshi and Anne Finlay-Stewart

 The Grey Bruce Job Fair was back with three in-person fairs across the region this spring. With fifty years between us, the Editor and the Co-op student attended the event at Owen Sound's Bayshore Community Centre and compared notes the next day.

Anne's perspective: Having been at more than one job fair where the seekers were lined up out the door, fists full of resumés, it was clear we are in a different era. We arrived about 2:30, and were greeted with a cheery and hopeful “Are you job seekers?”

We were handed a list of over 160 job titles sought by the employers at the fair. At least six of those were looking for PSWs and seemed to see even this 68-year-old as a potential prospect.

Two very new businesses (more on those in future articles) were looking to fill a variety of positions, and even long-established local businesses were feeling the need to sell themselves to workers. Tables were covered in swag – candy, pens, stress balls and sunglasses.

We were looking for businesses seeking drivers as part of our investigation into the transit options in Owen Sound. In spite of the shortage of cabbies we heard about from local taxi businesses, none of them were at the job fair recruiting.

One subject came up with more than one employer, even those offering better-than-competitive wages – the cost and availability of housing for employees.

Madeline's perspective: If one thing is clear from the job fair at the Bayshore last Thursday, it’s that there are lots of businesses looking for employees. From insurance companies to restaurants to construction jobs, there are lots of occupations to browse.

There were many individuals looking for young people to fill summer or full-time positions. Due to desperation for employees, lots of employers have been offering benefits. Some are paying more than minimum or student wage even if you are a student.

Companies are even going as far as to try to appeal particularly to the younger generation. For example, A&W’s hiring advertisements promote their “beyond meat”, positive environmental impact and other factors to “keep this spirit of change-making front and center.” With their employment, they offer scholarship programs, paid sick days and flexible schedules. All of these are things teenagers often strive for. On top of this, a lot of companies made applying easily accessible with online applications and email updates.

More businesses, including the trades where typically men dominate the workforce, are particularly looking for women as well. Diversity in the workplace is critical in the evolving world in order to showcase a variety of perspectives.