WATCH ABOVE: As the economy cools, the worry about work is taking its toll. Vinesh Pratap spoke to students at the NAIT career fair.
EDMONTON – NAIT students received information about their career prospects Tuesday as more than 130 employers set up shop at the school’s largest career fair.
However, not all of the news is good for students, as plunging oil prices have begun to hurt Alberta’s economy. Companies have already reported layoffs in the province because oil is below $50 a barrel, and there is even speculation Alberta could be heading into a recession.
READ MORE: Alberta premier Prentice considers sales tax to fix ailing, oil-based economy
NAIT students are well aware of the challenges they will face as they head into the job market.
“As a student, when you graduate, you would like to have a job right away after you finish your course, but now we are not in the good side of the economy so it’s really muddy,” said Pramila Reddy, a technology student.
“Everybody is discussing gas prices every day and we’re keeping updated.”
READ MORE: ATB Financial forecasts Alberta economic slowdown due to soft energy prices
Still, she said potential employers are still positive about the future.
“They are just keeping us on the positive side and encouraging us to keep applying.”
Frederic Theriault also attended the job fair. He’s in the heavy equipment technology program and will graduate in the spring.
“I wanted to learn a trade,” said Theriault. “The heavy duty trade is … really sought after in Alberta and across Canada as well.”
Theriault said the falling oil prices are on his radar, but isn’t too concerned about not finding a job after graduation.
“Obviously, with the economy now, with the oil, those big companies are not really talking too much, but all the smaller guys, they’re more than ready.”
“I’m not really worried… I know I’ll have a job for sure,” he said.
“There’s plenty of job opportunities for me, and I know Alberta is still a growing province and they’ll need people like me.”
Six-thousand students were expected to take in the career fair.