How did people choose a profession some 50-70 years ago? They followed parents’ steps or the crowd; sometimes they listened to their passion or talent or went with the jobs that promised a better paycheque. For most, it was a shot in the dark.

Everything has changed since then, including career decisions, which nowadays are much more informed and conscious. And to ensure that the young generation knows all their options the Estevan Comprehensive School hosts biennial Career Fair. The 2019 fair took place on Thursday and attracted over 60 participants and about 700 Grade 10-12 Estevan and Lampman students.

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Students had a chance to see what a registered veterinarian technician career has to offer. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Police and RCMP, Estevan Fire Rescue Service, various colleges and universities, coal and oil companies, medical and vet clinics, CBSA and conservation officers, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Southern Plains Co-op, Saskatchewan Health Authority and many other organizations set up their information booths at the ECS gymnasium. Other companies preferred to host 30-minute info sessions in classroom settings.

“Usually the schools always want a booth. And some of our professionals, someone from a dental office, or career fitness, a pharmacist, come in and are able to give us a half-hour presentation,” said ECS student services specialist Stacy Dutka, explaining that professionals usually try to let students understand what a day in their shoes would feel like.

While many of the participants were returning recruiters, some decided to join the fair for the first time.

“We have University of Mary (N.D.) from the States this year. This is the first year that we offer a session on working in the oilpatch. And there are some different schools here as well,” said Dutka.

Many resource people, tradespeople and business people from Estevan and area as well as representatives from post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and North Dakota were in attendance.

The event consisted of 54 information booths in the gymnasium. Students could also attend six information sessions throughout the day. And for many of them, the fair became a great resource.

“I feel that career fair is the best way to get some stuff done, especially when you (are looking for) schools,” said Joseph Limin, Grade 12 ECS student.

He also noted that at the fair he found even more than he expected.

“I’m only Grade 9, but it’s nice to see what people have to offer, especially universities and colleges. It’s crazy,” said Carr-Lee Hamilton.

While Hamilton said at least at this point she would consider moving somewhere for education depending on what they have to offer, Limin confidently said that being a big-city person he would like to get his hands on Calgary or Toronto. He found a lot of support and information at the fair, but with so many options he couldn’t make up his mind yet.

“If anything, it became more confusing. I’m seeking power engineering, but technology has been more enticing. I find it fun,” said Limin.

Career fair offered students many options for education and occupations that could take them almost anywhere in Western Canada or North Dakota. But there also were many options for those who would prefer to stay in Estevan or close to home.

Southeast College navigated students through available programs and career paths. Photo by Anastasiia Bykhovskaia

Thus, Southeast College brought information about their programs that would allow students to try university programs or get a profession without the burden of leaving home and taking on some extra expenses.

“We are growing our university programs and we do have more students, that are saying, ‘Yeah, I want to bust out of Estevan. I want to get out of here, but maybe I want to do my first year in the city, save some money, and then I’ll get going to Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary,” said SE College student advisor Lorelei Lachambre, who is the person who answers all students’ questions.

She explained that local college programs are a good option to start out close to home. She added that depending on personal interests the college also might offer local careers.

“Here in Estevan we have some excellent trades programs,” Said Lachambre. “For students who are not university bound we do have some amazing trade opportunities for them to stay right here, live at home while they get certificates in trades.”

They also receive a lot of interest on their university class for Grade 12. It's a program allowing students to understand what university is like before they commit to a full four-year program and a significant bill.

A lot of local organizations were also present at the fair, navigating young explorers through what it would look like to be a professional or a student in every chosen niche. Thus representatives of an oil company had a serious and truthful presentation, in which they explained what the oilfield employers nowadays are looking for when hiring and talked about the strong competition in the industry.

The career fair went on for the entire day, allowing students who were released from classes to find as much information and advice as they needed.

Dutka said that they really appreciate the community support and the time people dedicate to coming in and sharing the information. She was also grateful to the ECS staff for allowing them to run such a big event.

Next year the school will host a smaller Post Secondary Education night session, where students will be able to find information about different schools. The career fair will return in 2021.