Mines' Ministry Planning Job Fairs To Attract Workers

By 250 News

It's becoming a familiar tune...

"The demand for skilled workers is on the rise, and we want to make sure that we have the people in place to meet this demand,"  says Minister of State for Mining, Bill Bennett.

Bennett points to the 220-million dollars invested in exploration last year as proof of the phenomenal resurgence in mineral exploration and the mining industry over the last five year.  With an eye to meeting the accompanying demand for workers, the minister has announced a series of 20 job and career fairs in communities around the province.

The fairs will target communites in resource industry areas and will bring exploration and mining companies, educational institutions, and employment agencies together with prospective employees and people interested in learning more about mining in their region.

The President and CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC, Dan Jepsen, says, "There is definitely a need for skilled labour in our industry and I believe that job fairs and mineral education programs are a perfect example of the new attitude towards our sector in this province."

The first fair is set for February 22 in Smithers.  Mayor Jim Davidson says he's excited about the prospect of raising awareness in young people in rural areas about the career possibilities in the industry.

There's no word yet on whether Prince George will be selected as a site.  Ministry staff say the province-wide schedule is still being finalized.

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