Posted: Jun 9, 2010
 Joint TCDSB/TDSB Job Fair
1st
for
Secondary School Graduates
“It was a blast... had soo much fun...” (Nelson A., Student)
“It was a super fantastic day and the kids really enjoyed it..” (CALC, Ed-Vance)
Over 1000 students from many Toronto secondaryschools attended the 6th annual Job Fair on Friday, May 7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The Fair featured approximately 40 employers representing a broad variety of jobs and a new feature: “Be Your Own Boss!”-- Programs supporting entrepreneurship. “The most helpful and informative aspects were the motivational speaker to begin the day and access and information to real jobs.”Keynote speakers, Jeff White and Ryan Porter charged the youth with a super-fantastic positive attitude and tips for success.Students were welcomed by City Councillor Shelley Carroll, Executive Superintendent for Student Success, Melanie Parrack, and System Superintendent Christopher Usih from the Toronto District School Board, and Associate Director of Education, Angela Gauthier and Superintendent of Student Success, Loretta Notten, from the Toronto Catholic District School Board.
The energy was amazing! “You only had to stand still at the event for a moment and look at the students lining up to see employers to know we were doing something right. I must also add how fantastic the students were. They were motivated, eager and had put effort into their appearance and were serious about wanting to get hired….” (Linda McGrath, Project Coordinator, Youth Employment Partnerships) This event supports our students who are choosing to go directly into the workplace as they move on from secondary school. Finding a job or an apprenticeship in a field matching one’s interests and skills is challenging, and even more so in today’s economy. Teachers and counsellors played an important role before, during and after the Fair by mentoring and coaching students through the job search process.
“Work Connections…Be the One…Get Hired” 2010 allowed students to meet employers and apply for available jobs. Staff from Job Connect Youth Employment Centres helped students complete application forms, spruce up their resumes in the “lab in a bag” room, and also initiated job search support systems that students could access upon graduation at the end of June.
This year, the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board combined efforts to run one LARGE event. Other partners were the City of Toronto Youth Employment Partnerships (YEP), Job Connect Youth Employment Centres (YEC), The Learning Partnership--Passport to Prosperity, Mazemaster, and the Toronto Workforce Innovation Group (formerly Toronto Training Board). At both TCDSB and TDSB, many central program departments contributed to the project including Guidance, Experiential Learning, Cooperative Education, Technological Studies, Business Studies, OYAP, and Student Success. Funding was provided by TCDSB and TDSB Student Success departments and Passport to Prosperity.
Angela Gauthier, Associate Director of Education, and Loretta Notten, Superintendent Student Success from the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) welcomed the students from the TCDSB with reflections on their own life experiences and reinforced the value and honour of work. They provided wonderful segues to the day’s events including the keynote speaker’s presentation, the job fair and the many informational workshops and displays available throughout the facilities. What a wonderful and positive beginning to transitioning from school to work.
Ryan Porter, the keynote speaker who addressed the TCDSB students provided a refreshing perspective on the road to finding “life’s work”; one that students were able to connect with and envision for themselves. Both students and staff agreed that Ryan was one of the highlights of the event.
“Awesome, awesome, awesome presentation today!!! It was a pleasure to hear your advice and personal stories... As much as you may not want to admit it, you ARE a motivational speaker but your approach is fantastic!” - S.N., Student
“Awesome presentation today at the Metro Convention Centre...!” W.L., Student
“I really enjoyed your speech today. It was quite inspiring especially for my friends... I had yet to have someone come out and truly make a stand to accomplish something until...today. Thanks a lot!!!” M.F.M., Student
Leadership students from SenatorO’ConnorCatholicSecondary School were on hand to help man the TCDSB registration table, welcome students and guests and provide support wherever they were needed. They were fantastic ambassadors for the youth of today and their commitment to valuable and meaningful causes!
The entire day went smoothly thanks to the efforts of so many partners working to make the day the success that it was. A very heartfelt congratulation to everyone on a fantastic job… well done!
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