The ether will today be buzzing with promise and possibility as the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council flicks a switch and launches its first virtual career fair.
The Victoria Call for Talent, which will run 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will bring together more than 750 registered job candidates and potential employers in an online forum to explore what鈥檚 out there.
While the pandemic has decimated some industries, and seriously cramped the style of others, the tech sector has grown and the need for talent has continued through its various subsectors.
鈥淭o raise awareness of Greater Victoria鈥檚 thriving tech sector, we have been hosting and attending career fairs for decades,鈥� said VIATEC chief executive Dan Gunn. 鈥淟ike every tech region, we need to continually attract fresh talent to keep up with the demand. Due to COVID, we鈥檝e had to get creative and develop an entirely online approach which opened the door for us to target highly skilled and experienced candidates from farther away.鈥�
Of the 750 candidates signed up for the event, 68 per cent are from outside Greater Victoria and 18 per cent are from outside the country. Most have indicated they are open to remote work or willing to relocate.
The event will feature online employer booths 鈥� there are 35 would-be employers signed up 鈥� breakout rooms, presentations, panel sessions, one-on-one meetings and resume sharing.
There is room for 1,000 participants and registration remains open, though VIATEC expects it to hit capacity by today. For more information, go to .
