Annual career expo shows youth the future is theirs
- EFN Staff | February 12, 2017
Inspiring youth to dream big and own the gifts they have within them was the common thread that wove together a packed venue at the Future is Yours annual career fair. More than 1,100 young people from across the province braved the cold and flooded Prairieland Park to learn about the bright future and vast opportunities that await them as they head into adulthood.
Check out our PHOTO GALLERY for more photos of the expo.
The Future Is Yours is Saskatoon’s largest career expo targeting Indigenous youth aged 16 to 29 years and includes a wide variety of exhibitors from industries that interest young people, role models, expert speaker panels on education and entrepreneurship, entertainment, and skill building workshops. This is Saskatoon Tribal Council’s fourth year hosting the event as part of the STC-PotashCorp partnership, and has seen increased attendance year after year.
Vice Chief Mark Arcand says that the event is really about “the quality of life of our people. Together with our major sponsor PotashCorp, our goal is to build self-esteem in the youth. We want to create a positive atmosphere that builds hope and gives these kids an opportunity to experience a different view of life.”
As many as 75 exhibitors set up shop to interact, share stories and inspire the youth who attended to consider the many options that are awaiting them. Points Athabasca Community Relations Coordinator Glen Strong shared that these types of events are “just as important to industry as they are to the youth. Youth are our future.” Athabasca Labour Services Ivan Doerksen echoed that sentiment and encouraged young people to remember that the “choices you make today affect your future tomorrow.”
Tyler Lafferty, who attended the event, is taking full advantage of the opportunity to make a change in his career path. At 22 years old, Lafferty began his career in entry level, general labour positions. He is hoping now to move into a more service oriented environment. “I’m looking for something that allows me to be more sociable with people, and build on that strength.” Tyler came dressed for success, taking the initiative to build a network of allies to help him navigate a new market.
Jeremy Thompson of the Saskatchewan Rush was in attendance as a role model, and to share his story. “I want to leave good footprints for the younger generation to follow.” Thompson recognized the support that he has received and uses that as a driver to push to be the best that he can be. His message to young people is that “every person that has been put on this earth has a gift for this world. Everything here has been provided for us to honour that gift. It is up to you turn that into your successes.” Lacrosse has taught Thompson that “in everything you do, you must give it your all, what you put out there is what you get back.”
More on past Future Is Yours career expos:
- Future Is Yours career expo inspiring youth
- 2016 Future Is Yours PHOTO GALLERY
- More photos: Future Is Yours
Leanne Bellegarde, PotashCorp's Director of Diversity & Inclusion believes that "when our young people choose to continue their education and enter the work world, they have the skills and determination to become a driving force in our province."
The spirit of the room was that of a hopeful future, one that is inclusive, open and full of opportunity to just waiting to be realized.