"I think it's important for young people today to know that there are many options to a successful career and they don't necessarily need to attend university to achieve their dreams."
That was Mayor Lois Jackson in 2013 as she embarked on a vision to help Delta students, parents and the public discover rewarding and lucrative careers in trades and technical fields.
Through a partnership with the Delta school district, BCIT, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver Community College, employers and industry organizations, Jackson's vision continues to be realized each year with the Delta Trades Technical Career Fair.
The fair has grown from 50 exhibits and about 2,500 attendees in 2013 to 75 exhibits and about 3,500 attendees last year, with plans for more than 90 exhibits and upwards of 4,000 attendees this year.
The fair is a day of discovery where attendees can try their hand at dozens of different trades and technical jobs to find the one that is right for them. These hands-on, interactive exhibits give attendees the opportunity to try out welding, culinary arts, masonry, hair design, construction, esthetics, welding and dozens of other potential careers.
This year's event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30 at the Sungod Recreation Centre in North Delta, features new initiatives in the evening:
Take a selfie for a chance to win a great prize.
Learn from experts in a variety of fields and ask them the questions you really want to know during the Talk-to-a-Trade minievent from 5 to 7 p.m.
Get help with your resume and online job searching with computers and free professional assistance.
For more information, a full list of exhibitors, prizes and activities, visit http://Delta.ca/CareerFair. Admission is free.
