Yukon College, Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon, YuWIN present Education, Career & Volunteer Expo

WHITEHORSE – Yukon College, Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon and Yukon Work InfoNET (YuWIN) are presenting an Education, Career and Volunteer Expo on Thursday October 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Yukon College Gym at Ayamdigut campus.

The expo offers students and city residents an opportunity to connect with Yukon employers, explore education options, and seek out meaningful volunteer positions.  Representatives from over 45 companies, professional associations, non-profit groups and post-secondary educational institutions will be on hand to connect with people at the event.

For Trina Nerysoo, a second-year Business Administration student, this event comes at exactly the right time.

“I want to transfer into the third year of a bachelor of commerce program after I finish my diploma. I’m looking forward to meeting some potential schools in person at the Expo to learn more about them and what they offer,” said Nerysoo.

Stephanie Paradis, a second-year Practical Nursing student, is focused on building her resume and getting a job after graduation next spring.

“I’m looking at volunteer positions as a way to gain valuable experience while still at school, but I also want to meet staff from the Hospital - to learn what skills they are looking for and make connections ahead of applying for a job,” said Paradis.

The free event is not only aimed at high school and college students, but also those looking for work, those looking for a change of employment or retirees seeking ways to make a difference. Last year’s expo attracted over 450 people.

The Yukon Fire Marshal’s Office will be stationed outside with their brand new mobile live fire training unit to demonstrate what firefighting is all about and encourage people to volunteer.

“We train volunteers all year round,” said Deputy Fire Marshal James Patterson. “While you may start off as a volunteer, it can lead to a full-time career with one of our Yukon fire services branches.”

The Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle will be demonstrating traditional arctic games. There will be workshops in reducing the stress of interviews and exams, educational funding, and becoming certified as a volunteer.

Best Western Gold Rush Inn, Outside the Cube, Northwestel, University of Calgary, Royal Roads University, University of Alaska Southeast, Yukon School of Visual Art and its transfer institutions Emily Carr University of Art and Design and Alberta College of Art & Design, City of Whitehorse, Association franco-yukonnaise, Habitat for Humanity, Yukon Aboriginal Sport Circle, and Yukon Mine Training Association are just some of the exhibitors who will be in attendance.

The 2013 Expo is sponsored by Grand Prairie Regional College, Northwestel, Association franco-yukonnaise and University of Lethbridge. For more information go to www.volunteeryukon.ca/.