The Nanaimo Port Authority will be one of 25 companies attending a career fair at the Port Theatre on Wednesday evening. (submitted photo/Nanaimo Port Authority)

By Alex Rawnsley

MARINE CAREERS

‘A great networking opportunity:’ Nanaimo career fair links local job seekers with marine employers

Mar 11, 2024 | 5:26 AM

NANAIMO — It’s an event seen to carry as much value for job seekers as it does for employers.

The 5th Port Connect Marine Career Fair is Wednesday, March 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre. It brings together 25 local and regional marine industry employers and educators under one roof, to meet those seeking careers in the field.

Nanaimo Port Authority spokesperson Andrea Thomas said the free event sees companies trying to fill everything from summer positions to potential long-term career opportunities.

“It’s such a broad spectrum of positions and needs based on each different company. The Port, for example, we’re currently hiring for our patrol division, we’re hiring summer students for the Wharfinger’s office at the marina and our maintenance position, but new positions pop up all the time.”

Thomas added even those without the required marine certifications will find value in the event.

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She added schools like Vancouver Island University and BCIT, as well as the Western Maritime Society, will be on hand to guide prospective employees to get the skills they need.

“If a person comes up to a vendor and says ‘hey, I want to work for the Canadian Coast Guard’ and they don’t have any of the qualifications, they might say ‘go talk to those people at that booth over there, they’ll get you the certification you need to work for us and once you’ve got that, come back and see me’.”

The event is also seen as a prime opportunity for the vendors attending.

Thomas told NanaimoNewsNOW it’s very rare to get this number of marine-based organizations under one roof, and the benefits go well beyond finding new staff.

“It’s also a great networking opportunity for the vendors themselves, the businesses involved, to connect with others in the marine sector who may be able to collaborate on future projects or plans and ideas. It’s overall a really great networking event.”

Registration for the job fair is available, for free, online.

More information, including a full list of participating vendors is available on the Nanaimo Port Authority website.

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