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Calgary prepares to host largest youth job fair with youth unemployment on the rise

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Calgary prepares to host largest youth job fair with youth unemployment on the rise
WATCH ABOVE: The job hunt for youth in Calgary is still a tough one, but as Bindu Suri reports, a popular job fair for young people is coming back, and many are hoping to make the most of it – Mar 10, 2017

The Youth Hiring Fair is back in Calgary at Stampede Park’s Big Four on March 28.

More than 80 employers will be at the fair, which is hosted by the City of Calgary.

Attendance at last year’s fair broke records with 8,000 people walking through the doors.

SURVIVING THE SLUMP: How to find ‘survival work’ to pay your bills

Amanda Bishop was desperately looking for a job this time last year, but ended up with nothing.

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She did not stop trying and attended last year’s Youth Hiring Fair.

“There’s definitely a lot of apprehension in this job market,” Bishop said. “The summer before, I wasn’t lucky enough to secure employment.”

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Calgary’s Youth Employment Centre is eventually how Bishop landed an internship.

“My Counsellor at the time suggested I look at a volunteer program that offers a bursary at the end of it,” she said.

More than 10,000 people ages 15 to 24 took advantage of the free services at the Youth Employment Centre.

While unemployment is dropping across the country, young people are still struggling.

READ MORE: Calgary’s unemployment rate continues downward slide, still highest in Canada

Calgary’s youth unemployment has increased by 4 per cent in January of 2016 versus January of 2017.

Bishop now works with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

“Definitely right now I’m confident going forward, with all of the tools I’ve picked up here. I feel self sufficient.”

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