On Wednesday, April 17th, the foyer of St. Thomas Aquanis High School buzzed with anticipation as local businesses and organizations came together for the STAHS Annual Summer Job Fair. From accepting resumes to conducting interviews, the event provided a platform for students to explore summer job opportunities and engage directly with potential employers.
Representatives from a diverse range of local businesses, including the District of Kenora Homes for the Aged, Lake of the Woods Employment Action Project (LEAP), Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong Indigenous Employment & Training Services, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, Treaty Three Police Service, and the Northwestern Health Unit, were present to connect with the students.
Cindy Melenchenko, Leader of Experiential Learning and Teacher at STAHS, initiated the Career Fairs in 2018 with a vision to bridge the gap between students and the local community. Reflecting on the significance of such events, she emphasized, "Career Fairs and Hiring Fairs are essential for students to interact and be exposed to community businesses and see the available pathway choices in Kenora. These fairs help students interact with individuals who have lived experience in areas they are interested in pursuing. It is also a way to network and make connections."
Melenchenko noted the enthusiasm among students, many of whom discovered new career prospects during the fair. "Many students in the past have been hired on the spot. What I liked about seeing students during this event was that they were excited about jobs that they wouldn't have considered applying for. I saw many students walking around with handouts," she remarked.
The Summer Job Fair was just one of several career-oriented events hosted by STAHS throughout the academic year. From Skilled Trades Expos to Career Explore sessions, students have had the opportunity to gain insights directly from industry professionals representing local businesses and organizations. With each event, STAHS reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent, developing student potential, and fostering meaningful connections within the community.