About 30 employers and one cool robot are waiting to meet job seekers Friday afternoon at the Muskoka Job Fair in Gravenhurst.
Job fair hosts, the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Employment North, expect to see lots of people out this Friday, April 4 from Noon to 4pm at the Gravenhurst Seniors Centre. The Job Fair’s taking over the Centre’s auditorium upstairs at 480 First Street North (between the YMCA and Your Independent Grocers). Job seekers should bring their resumes as there’s space for on-the-spot interviews. Plus, the Gravenhurst High School Robotics Team will show off their robotics skills at 1pm, giving employers and the public a chance to see student innovators in action.
“The job market in Muskoka is more innovative – and competitive – than ever with unemployment rates being low right now and other positive changes,” says Norah Fountain, Executive Director, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and a job fair host, “and that means employers are ready to make great offers to good people.”
She points out major shifts in Muskoka are making lasting jobs in the trades, for example, even more available and attractive. According to a Simcoe Muskoka SkillForce report, almost two-thirds of tradespersons in Muskoka are aged 55 or older. “There’s never been a better time for young people to jump into a lucrative trades job,” says Fountain.
In fact, this Job Fair started because Jake Goselin of Bespoke Property Management asked the Chamber to host one: she’s eager to grow her workforce with people keen on learning all sorts of trades type and other work. More employers jumped on board, including the District of Muskoka Public Works department, painting companies like Evans Painting & Decorating and other property managers that are busy year-round, including TEND Services and George Martin and Sons. There are also lots of tourism and hospitality jobs. “Imagine spending the summer on the water with Muskoka Extreme or joining the fun teams at Santa’s Village, Turtle Jacks and Coop Wicked Chicken” adds Fountain, “along with the chance to build a full-time career at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, , The Alexander Muskoka Residence or the LCBO. These are just some of the employers at the Fair and there’s still room for more.”
Another positive change in the local job market is a jump in the wage amount being paid in Muskoka – about 32% higher in 2024 than it was in 2019.
“People need to learn more about what’s happening now on the job front in Muskoka,” says Sherri Scarr, Team Lead and Supervisor, Employment North, the job fair’s major sponsor. “We’ll be there to let job seekers know we’re here to help them update their resumes and more as we know what employers are looking for today.”
Employers can still reserve a large spot at the Fair for just $50 by signing up on a simple Google form here or by contacting the Muskoka Lakes Chamber for more information.
Photo: The Employment North team sponsors the Muskoka Job Fair and will be on hand Friday to help people find jobs that best fit their needs. Photo credit: Norah Fountain
