The Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation hosted their annual summer job fair at the Saddledome on Tuesday, with the demographics of those in line possibly looking a little different this year.
The organization is seeking people to fill a number of positions in the Saddledome, including food and beer vendors, concession cooks and cashiers, security guards and restaurant hosts.
Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation COO John Bean said they’re looking to hire about 300 people.
Doors opened earlier than the planned 2 p.m. start time in anticipation of big crowds.
“In the past, we’ve had 500 to 600 people show up,” Bean said. “We’re expecting a little larger number than that, and we’re trying to be prepared for that.”
The job fair is often popular for students and young people looking to launch this careers, as well as retirees looking for a fun gig.
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“There’s not a lot of opportunities for arts work in Alberta right now. So just something to kind of do in between gigs and keep the income coming,” 24-year-old Trevor O-Gorman said as he waited in line.
But there are also those in line this year that have been hit hard by the current recession.
“I was working for the city – got laid off. Hard to find work after that,” Kelly Muray, a former paving operator said. “I got work now – working for a golf course, but it will be done in two weeks. So here I am again, lining up again.”
The lines at this job fair were tame compared to some of the recent line-ups Muray has faced.
Earlier this month, a job fair held at a southwest Calgary seniors home was so busy that organizers had to call police to help manage the crowds.
READ MORE: Police called to manage huge turnout at SW Calgary job fair
Just days later, thousands of job seekers lined up outside the Coast Plaza Hotel in anticipation of a job fair for the Calgary International Airport.
“I was there for three hours. I turned around and left,” Muray said.
READ MORE: Long line of job seekers at YYC Career Fair
But many, if not most, of the jobs on offer by the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation are part-time, minimum-wage positions.
Alberta’s minimum wage will increase again this October, to $11.70 per hour, but the reality is, even a full-time minimum wage job hardly covers what Employment Insurance would otherwise pay many laid-off workers.
“Maybe three part-time jobs would cover it – maybe – but no,” Muray said. “It’s depressing, but trying to keep up, trying to keep up with the resumes and handing them out.”
Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation said wages will depend on the job and the experience level of successful candidates.
Those who were unable to attend Tuesday’s job fair but still wish to apply for a position can visit the Calgary Flames’ website.
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