Abigael Ruto, Senior Reporter
A job fair that links Applied Sciences students with potential employers brought out more than 50 companies to the annual event last week.
The annual career fair at the Barrett Centre of Technology and Innovation was hosted by Work Placement Services for the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, and featured employers looking for prudent Humber candidates.
“Since inception, this event has had the most employers participate,” said Christine Colosimo, operation specialist in the Field Placement and Co-op Placement Office.
Employers offering full time, part-time, co-op placement and internship opportunities to students were present at the fair.
Students handed in their resumes and interacted with organizations like the City of Toronto, Bell Technical Solutions and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Humber College organizes career fairs within different programs and students have found employment in various organizations.
“This event is very important,” Colosimo said. “These companies have hired a lot of our students in the past.”
Canada’s jobless rate stands at 5.5 per cent, down from 5.6 per cent last year, a Trading Economics survey said.
According to the survey, there has been an increase in full-time employment by about 34,000 more than doubling the predicted rise of 15,000 jobs.
Part-time jobs, however, have decreased by about 1,000, Trading Economics said.
Bob Marashi, a director at Accent Building Sciences, said sitting in an office and conducting interviews is boring and time-consuming, He prefers interacting with desirable candidates.
“This is my first time coming here and it is beneficial because we can interact,” Marashi said.
He urged job-seeking students to be themselves and truthful when applying for work.
Some people lie to their employers in order to find a job and end up wasting time since they are not as good as they said during an interview, he said.
“They tell us stuff they can do and when they come to work, we find otherwise and it is not good for us,” Marashi said.
David Meacher, a rides-electro supervisor at Wonderland Amusement Park who represented his organization at the fair since 2009, said he’s always looking for employees who are hands-on.
“I am looking for enthusiasm, a good attitude and someone not afraid to get a little dirty,” Meacher said.
Meacher encouraged students not to focus so much on seeking formal employment but find what they like to do and make it their jobs.
He believes turning passion into money is the ultimate goal.
“Don’t hold back, go for what looks good to do,” he said.
