Thousands attend Nova Scotia Health job fairs across the province

Thousands turned up for Nova Scotia Health’s Career Fair – to explore a future in the industry.

Nova Scotia Health held career fairs across the province Thursday. This is only the second year for the fair. After last year’s turnout Nova Scotia Health made it an annual event.

“This is one of 11 locations all across the province and as you can see, we are very busy,” says Lauren Murphy, NS Health Director of Recruitment and Volunteer services.

“Our first year we had 3,000 Nova Scotians show up and we ended up hiring over 220 people from one event and every type of position you can imagine was hired.”

Murphy says the goal is to connect those looking for work with those recruiting.

“We are living in a Global healthcare talent shortage and so this is our way of combating that by allowing people to come in that have experience or have interest, we have to build our talent pool,” says Murphy.

Reena Battie is a new Halifax resident. She said she hopes the fair connects her with the right people to find a job.

“For some of the immigrants that don’t know where to go, and how to proceed, I really appreciate them and they should organize these types of events every month,” says Battie.

Justin Bishop said he hopes to speak with someone about software engineering jobs in the IT sector. He said he never really thought about a job in healthcare before the fair.

“There’s a huge demand for work and way too many people and not enough jobs and I am one of them,” says Bishop.

Sharon Osei-Sarfo is a student who said the job fair is an opportunity to connect with employers and ask questions.

“What they are looking for from their applicants so I can have a good application?” says Osei-Sarfo, who attended the job fair in Halifax.

There were 11 different job fair locations across the province Thursday, with recruiters seeking candidates and educating people at every one.

NS Health said 4,021 people visited job fairs across the province and released attendance numbers for each location Thursday:

• Halifax: 1,647
• Dartmouth: 366
• Truro: 187
• Amherst: 85
• New Glasgow: 138
• Antigonish: 177,
• Baddeck: 35 people,
• Sydney: 872,
• Kentville: 311
• Bridgewater: 134
• Yarmouth: 69.

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