Calgary job hunters challenged to consider new career paths in industries that are actually hiring

Calgary job hunters are learning about creative ways to navigate new career paths during a two-day event at Bow Valley College geared toward helping the jobless and under-employed during the downturn.

About 100 people gathered at an information session Wednesday to hear from representatives from industries such as biotechnology, landscaping, horticulture and supply chain management.

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Adaeze Opene is a graduate from Bow Valley College who wants to work in biotechnology because of her background studying and working in scientific fields. 

She said she's been trying to keep busy since the end of her last job as a research assistant.

"It's been challenging, however I haven't just stayed mute at home," Opene said. "I've been volunteering."

Nicole Jelley is the executive director of Talent Pool, a non-profit organization that helps people find work in partnership with the provincial government.

She said the event introduces employers who are actually hiring, despite the downturn, to prospective employees.

"We're opening the knowledge of the industry sectors that are currently in need of talent to individuals who are in transition or who have been unemployed for a while," said Jelley.

Some employers attended the event in advance of a busy hiring season in the summer.

"I don't have any jobs in my back pocket to hand out today, but almost all of our members are still hiring for the season," said Joel Beatson, executive director of Landscape Alberta, which represents about 500 employers.

Ultimately Beatson hopes people will look at the bigger picture and consider a new career direction, and not just a temporary job.