HURON COUNTY – The Huron Manufacturing Association (HMA) is holding a job fair in Wingham on May 17 at the Knights of Columbus Hall from 12 – 6 p.m., with another schedule on June 7 in Exeter.
HMA says its goal with the job fair is to connect job seekers with manufacturers hit hard by a labour shortage.
Mat Gagnon, HMA GEARS media/marketing assistant, said five confirmed manufacturers so far will be recruiting at the fair: Compass Minerals, Jokey Plastics, Lavis Contracting, Metzger Meat Products, and Royal Homes. Gagnon hopes more will join in the next couple of weeks.
The association held a successful job fair in Clinton on April 12; a media release said, “With numerous local employers and training organizations specific to manufacturing on-site, sharing employment needs, collecting resumes and bringing awareness to exciting new training options and apprenticeship prospects.”
The release stated that a “steady flow of job seekers learned of new opportunities at this free job fair,” looking for options to find a “fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction.”
“We are excited at the response from employers who participated in our first job fair. We even saw the employer registration growing for the two additional Job Fairs scheduled in May and June,” said HMA Board Chair Larry Livingston.
“We are so thankful to our community partners for supporting our vision. These fairs are an opportunity to connect our community and talented workers with great employers looking to hire or those looking for training opportunities locally.”
The HMA also showcased its GEARS (General Employee Attraction and Retention Strategy) Program and its benefits to its members.
GEARS is responsible for scheduling the three job fairs across Huron County after hearing that employees are in demand across the trades.
These fairs are intended to spotlight manufacturers in Huron and bordering counties.
There is no fee or RSVP required, “just show up with your resume and take your best foot forward.”
Any questions about these fairs or other events can be directed to hmagears.events@huronmanufactuing.ca.
Manufacturers are welcome to participate by registering their
table: https://www.huronmanufacturing.ca/exhibit-space-request-form/.
Cory Bilyea, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, WINGHAM ADVANCE TIMES
