Stepping Stones career fair a success

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On April 17, Aboriginal high school students from Regina and surrounding communities gathered for the second annual Stepping Stones Career Fair at Regina Exhibition Park. Over 80 employers from across the province attended and set up display booths full of information. The career fair provided students with ideas about their prospects for future employment and a feel for the educational requirements they may need to meet their career goals.

Kathleen McNab, a volunteer committee member and youth project coordinator with Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services Inc. said the purpose of the event is "to encourage and motivate Aboriginal youth to pursue education beyond high school and to think about the future. Stepping Stones provides them with ideas about what's out there."

Close to 1000 students attended the career fair and had positive things to say about the event. Kristy Keepness and Shayna Bellegarde, students from Bird Fox community high school, both said they had fun and found the employers helpful. "They're answering all of our questions," Bellegarde said.

Nicole Akan, an aspiring nurse from Thom Collegiate who attended the event for the second time said the event is "a good learning experience and helpful."

Two of the most popular sites were the Regina Fire Department display where students got to dress up in full fire fighter gear, and the Regina Police Service display where students got to sit in a police cruiser.

Employers were equally enthusiastic about sharing their messages with the youth.

"Stepping Stones is a wonderful venue for youth to network with employers and organizations from Saskatchewan. Youth as young as Grade 6 are learning about work and volunteer opportunities available to them now and in the future, " said Camilla McCabe with The Edge Magazine, a publication written and designed by youth.

"The Edge provides magazines and a Web site about the world of work and career options. The youth are thirsty for career information and want to know their options," she explained.

Tony Spehar, wholesale recruitment director with Federated Co-operatives Limited in Saskatoon stressed, "It is important for employers to let Aboriginal youth know of the many career opportunities available to them." Spehar added that education and professional development are part of the life long learning process. "Education is key."

Mozhgan Lapoor, human resource manager with SaskTel in Regina said, "SaskTel is committed to the future of our youth. We see it as our responsibility to be actively involved in career fairs and help and guide our youth to identify their future opportunities and set their career goals."

Volunteer committee members also organized a youth rally at Scott Collegiate in Regina on April 10.

McNab said it was "an ideal spot because it is an inner-city school with a high Aboriginal population." Over 100 youth attended the event and listened to five youth role models and motivational speakers. Audra Young, a Regina City Police Constable; Dr. Edward Doolittle, a Mohawk from Kanawake and professor of math at SIFC; and Errol Kinistino, a local celebrity who performed in North of 60 were among the speakers.

McNab said that community sponsors offered tremendous support for the career fair and rally.

"This wouldn't be a success without sponsors."

All participants, including special guest Joanne Crofford, Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation, helped make the event a success. Plans are in the works for next year's events.