Strong turnout for tourism job fair in Cavendish

There was a strong turnout Saturday for the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.'s second job fair of the year in Cavendish.

The North Shore Tourism Job Fair featured 15 employers with more than 100 positions available, said Alex MacKenzie, the association's workforce development officer.

"This year's been really strong," MacKenzie said, adding that the tourism industry association is happy to see a growing crowd at the event. 

In past years, the turnout ranged from 115 to 125 people, but this year more than 170 people came through the doors at Green Gables Heritage Place for the job fair, he said. 

"We're really excited to be doing this for tourism operators in this area of the province," MacKenzie said. 

What employers are looking for 

Some of the employers participating in the job fair said the hiring process can be challenging. 

"As a restaurant owner, especially a seasonal one, we're constantly looking for new staff. It's like opening a restaurant every single season," said Denise Fleming, the owner of the Lost Anchor Restaurant. 

Fleming said her goal with the job fair this year was to hire more kitchen staff, including dishwashers, prep cooks and line cooks.

When it comes to adding more staff, she said she knows what she's looking for.

"I always hire people that are going to fit in really well and that have that positive energy," she said. "You can train anybody to do anything, but the energy is really what I'm always hiring off of."

'This made it really easy'

For Ashton Bradley — a Grade 10 student at Mount Academy — the job fair was a good opportunity to meet employers and apply for jobs in person. 

"It's a little challenging trying to do it over the phone and trying to do it online," he said. "This made it really easy, so I'm glad I came." 

Before Saturday, Bradley had never been to a job fair before. He said he was trying to think of what he would say to employers as he was driving to the event, but realized "it's a lot easier once you get out here."

The employers were friendly and inviting, Bradley said, adding that he was happy to make connections with the people and businesses he's hoping to work for.