NEW DATE FRIDAY FOR ‘AFTER THE STORM’ JOB FAIR AT GRAVENHURST SENIORS’ ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
GRAVENHURST — If you haven’t got a job cleaning up trees, head to the Gravenhurst Seniors’ Active Living Centre Friday afternoon for the opportunity of a lifetime.
More than 30 employers — and one cool robot — are setting up shop to meet job seekers at the Muskoka Job Fair.
The date had to be cancelled last week due to states of emergency — so local companies are more eager to meet and hire new staff before they get any later into spring.
Job fair hosts — the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Employment North — expect to see lots of people in the upstairs auditorium April 11 noon to 4 p.m. at 480 First Street North (between the YMCA and YIG grocer).
Job seekers should bring their resumes as there’s space for on-the-spot interviews.
Plus, the Gravenhurst High School Robotics Team will show off their robotics skills at 1 p.m., giving employers and the public a chance to see student innovators in action.
“The job market in Muskoka is more innovative — and competitive — than ever with unemployment rates being low right now and other positive changes,” Norah Fountain, executive director, of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and a job fair host, says in a weekend release.
“And that means employers are ready to make great offers to good people.”
She points out major shifts in Muskoka are making lasting jobs in the trades, for example, even more available and attractive.
According to a Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce report, almost two-thirds of tradespersons in Muskoka are aged 55 or older.
“There’s never been a better time for young people to jump into a lucrative trades job,” says Fountain.
In fact, this Job Fair started because Jake Goselin of Bespoke Property Management asked the chamber to host this.
She’s eager to grow her workforce with people keen on learning all sorts of trades type and other work.
More employers jumped on board, including the District of Muskoka public works department, painting companies like Evans Painting & Decorating and other property managers that are busy year-round, including TEND Services and George Martin and Sons.
There are also plenty of tourism and hospitality jobs.
“Imagine spending the summer on the water with Muskoka Extreme or joining the fun teams at Santa’s Village, Turtle Jacks and Coop Wicked Chicken” adds Fountain, “along with the chance to build a full-time career at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, The Alexander Muskoka Residence or the LCBO.
“These are just some of the employers at the Fair and there’s still room for more.”
Another positive change in the local job market is a jump in the wage amount being paid in Muskoka – about 32% higher in 2024 than it was in 2019.
“People need to learn more about what’s happening now on the job front in Muskoka,” says Sherri Scarr, Team Lead and Supervisor, Employment North, the job fair’s major sponsor.
“We’ll be there to let job seekers know we’re here to help them update their resumes and more as we know what employers are looking for today.”
Employers can still reserve a large spot at the Fair for just $50 by signing up on a simple Google form here or by contacting the Muskoka Lakes Chamber for more information.
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