Taber Adult Learning prepares for semi-annual job fair

Times Photo by Meg Noguchi. OPEN HOUSE: Taber & District Community Adult Learning Association held their Open House on March 6 at their brand-new facility located at 5324 48 Avenue.

By Jared Vas
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Taber & District Community Adult Learning Association (TDCALA) is hosting its semi-annual community job fair on Thursday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heritage Inn.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes to meet local employers and explore career opportunities.

TDCALA is the only organization in Taber running job fairs like this, creating a dedicated space for direct interaction between employers and job seekers.

Tori Farewell, TDCALA’s new career and employment advisor, is organizing her first job fair in this role.

She got the job after taking a chance.

“I kind of applied on a whim. Not going to lie, I didn’t think I was qualified,” she admitted.

She now works with others in similar situations and has built relationships with local employers to expand opportunities.

“This is the first [fair] that I’ve organized since getting this position, so I’m really excited about it,” she said. “We’ve got 15 employers coming so far, and it’s a really good range. We’ve got fast food, we’ve got production, we’ve got construction. All sorts of different stuff.”

Farewell highlighted that the event’s main goal is to reintroduce personal exchanges into the job search process, giving both job seekers and employers a chance to connect beyond online applications.

“We’re kind of in an age where everything’s online… And my goal with the job fair is to kind of bring back face-to-face interaction. Getting to know employers, employers getting to know job seekers, kind of on a deeper level than just what’s on paper,” Farewell explained.

She added that feedback from previous fairs has been positive.

“I even had employers say, you know, it was nice to get out of the office and like talk to people today,” she said.

Executive Director Kirsti Forsyth noted that the last fair faced some challenges, but Farewell’s efforts toward this year’s fair have not gone unnoticed.

“With our last fair, we were kind of in the midst of a staffing change, and so there weren’t as many employers there as we typically have. So that was kind of the only negative feedback,” Forsyth explained. “Tori has done a really good job with this fair to kind of get different organizations, companies, and employers to have a broad range.”

Participating employers include PGS Equipment, Horizon School Division, Gateway Safety/RKI Instruments, Safety Connections, and Taber MD Fire Department, among others.

Job seekers can register at the front desk and speak to any of the employers present.

“Generally, job seekers will bring their resume,” Farewell explained.

“Dress for any interviews if that’s what they’re looking for. They have 30 seconds to a minute, depending on how busy it is.”

Farewell also noted that for job seekers exploring unfamiliar roles, the fair is a great opportunity to learn what steps they would need to take to prepare.

The fair also provides access to TDCALA’s programs and resources.

Forsyth added that attendees can also learn more about Taber Adult Learning’s programs and services at the event.

“We will have a table as well for Taber Adult Learning in all of our programs and services. So job seekers can come past our table and resources that we will have,” she said.

For those unable to attend, TDCALA offers ongoing employment support through the Taber Employment Advising Program.

The Taber Employment Advising Program, one of Taber Adult Learning’s initiatives, provides 16 weeks of services, including coaching, networking, and skill development.

Farewell oversees this program.

“Basically, our Taber Employment Assistance Program is aimed towards helping barriered individuals get closer to employment,” she explained, noting the importance of the intake process.

Farewell hopes to see higher attendance than last year’s 78 participants.

“I want to hit 100 at least. That’s my goal… I feel good,” Farewell declared.

The event is open to all job seekers, and registration can be completed online or in person at the event.

With a wide range of employers and face-to-face networking opportunities, TDCALA continues to support workforce development in the Taber community.