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MEC goes virtual with job fair and services during pandemic

By Chevi Rabbit
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By Chevi Rabbit

For Ponoka News

Maskwacis Employment Center’s (MEC’s) semi-annual job fair is going virtual, complete with Wi-Fi in the parking lot, on March 25, 2021.

“This is the first virtual job fair hosted by Maskwacis Employment Center and can’t be missed,” said Lana Johnson, executive director of MEC.

MEC has had to adapt their services during the pandemic. Regular programs and services are offered online.

“During the pandemic MEC moved all job coaching services online and remotely,” said Johnson.

“We were able to continue to offer our programs through virtual platforms such as zoom, Facebook Live and Google,” she said.

“We assist clients with employment readiness workshops, resumes, cover letters, one-on-one job coaching, drivers’ training and information about employment opportunities.”

Johnson says COVID-19 has limited access to their labour market resource center, client computers and their classroom.

“All of our classes are now held virtually and have had very limited access to our office.”

Their semi-annual job fairs were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. Last year’s event was cancelled.

This year they have decided to take the event virtual and have contracted The Connect Partnership Group for their first virtual job fair.

“A virtual job fair is an online portal where recruiters and job seekers can meet face to face over the Internet,” said Johnson.

Participants can register for the event and each participant will be emailed a link that they will use the day of the event.

People can attend using a computer, tablet or smartphone. They will need to have access to the Internet to be able to participate.

“MEC is working with the four Maskwacis First Nations to provide socially-distanced virtual hotspot parking lots where people can connect the day of the event,” said Johnson.

“Once in the live session, one can expect to attend networking sessions, workshops and opportunities for one-on-one discussions with recruiters.”

Register online at www.maskwacisvirtualjobfair.com.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
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