It was hard to miss the two giant black speakers on the REC Centre lawn on Friday, Aug. 24.
The speakers were actually inflatable tents used by JobFest 2012 to house computer-wired counselling centres for youths interested in information on job training and career opportunities.
With two hours to go in the six-hour JobFest 2012 presentation, Lillooet Economic Development Officer Jerry Sucharyna told the News approximately 100 people had participated in the non-traditional, rock-music driven career fair. He said he thought that was a good turnout for Lillooet and compared well to the average turnout of 150-200 in communities in BC’s northern and southern interior.
The band scheduled to play at the Lillooet show, Oh No! Yoko did not perform because of an unspecified “glitch.” Instead, members of the 14-person stage crew/career advisors stepped in to fill the gap and perform on a large stage located between the two inflatable amplifiers.
“Some kids are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives, some know what they want to do with their lives and need help with their education. Others want to be entrepreneurs,” one JobFest event presenter told the News.
JobFest was welcomed to Lillooet by T’it’q’et Community Chief Kevin Whitney. The event featured two keynote speakers.
Rolf de Bruin from Fort Berens Estate Winery spoke about the value of education. DeBruin has three degrees. Florence Jack from Xwisten Administration described the support she received from her family and friends as she studied for her CGA (Certified General Accountant) designation.
In addition to the free live music and food, youths aged 14-25 who showed up at the festival received giveaway bags, drum sticks, T-shirts, tattoos and a chance to win a free iPad. They also received career counselling and an opportunity to complete a computerized aptitude test that guides them into job training programs.
Lillooet was one of 50 stops in JobFest’s spring and fall tour.
Created by the provincial Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, the goal of JobFest is to engage with youth in fun and entertaining ways while delivering labour market information showcasing nine career exploration tools designed by the ministry.
