By Tyler Waugh
Knowing about available opportunities is one of the predominant barriers to employment, says a local labour force expert. Coincidentally, it’s also a barrier for businesses looking for new talent.
Those dovetailing interests come together September 17 when the Mount Pearl and Paradise Chamber of Commerce holds its annual job fair at the Reid Community Centre. The event drew 26 organizations last year and more than 800 people walked through the door looking for supports, jobs and career opportunities.
“For job seekers who are finding it difficult to access a career, opportunities such as job fairs can be particularly valuable because they create a direct connection with employers that may be difficult to establish through an online application alone. I would encourage job seekers to research the businesses attending in advance, identify organizations and roles that genuinely interest them, and arrive prepared with thoughtful questions,” said Sherri Tucker with Avalon Employment. “Asking an employer about their onboarding and training process, for example, can tell you considerably more about whether an organization is a good fit than simply asking what positions they have available. If you feel you may need additional support to prepare, navigate the event or connect with employers, seek that support in advance.”
Wanda Palmer, executive director of the Mount Pearl and Paradise Chamber of Commerce, has organized nine job fairs during her time with the chamber. She said the goal is to support members with an affordable, convenient way to meet potential employees.
There are already more than 20 groups ranging from private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations confirmed to be on hand to connect with new talent. There will also be booths where job seekers can get help with their resumes as well as photos taken at no cost.
“This certainly could help students entering the workforce or anyone who does not have a head shot for their LinkedIn profile or resumes,” Palmer said.
Unemployment in the St. John’s area sat at around seven per cent in July up 0.3 per cent from the same month in 2025, based on statistics found on the City of St. John’s website. The participation rate of 65.1 per cent was down 1.1 per cent.
Newfoundland and Labrador stats from July, according to the Government of Canada job bank, showed employment declined by 200 jobs (-0.1 per cent) over the last month to sit at 9.3 per cent in terms of the unemployment rate, up from 8.2 per cent in June, with the decline attributed to loss of part-time employment. The jobless rate for young Newfoundlanders, and young Canadians generally, is much higher, indeed higher than other countries in the G7 as Canada continues to digest unprecedented levels of immigration over the past five years.
Tucker said that one thing interesting about the current labour market is the tension between the continued need for talent and the number of people who are struggling to find a pathway into employment.
“Newfoundland and Labrador's unemployment rate has recently been moving in the opposite direction of the national trend, even while we continue to hear from employers about challenges finding and retaining workers,” she said. “I think that tells us there is more happening than simply a shortage of available people. There are gaps between the talent we have and the opportunities people can realistically access.
Tucker said another challenge is a lack of true entry-level positions.
“We increasingly see ‘entry-level’ positions requiring previous experience, credentials or already-developed workplace skills, while technology and changes in how businesses operate are changing some of the traditional jobs where people once gained their first experience,” Tucker said. “This can create a difficult cycle: people need experience to access employment but have fewer opportunities to gain that experience.”
One other barrier specific to communities like Mount Pearl and Conception Bay South is transportation as the workforce moves significantly between municipalities for employment, but many schedules remain difficult to meet without a vehicle and a lack of public transportation between CBS and the rest of the northeast Avalon.
“A job can technically be available while still being functionally inaccessible to a portion of the labour force,” Tucker said.
She said there are some exciting areas of growth for Newfoundland and Labrador as the technology sector has grown significantly, creating opportunities that extend beyond traditional information technology roles.
“We are also preparing for considerable growth within green and clean-energy industries, including wind, hydrogen and related construction, engineering, skilled trades, operations and professional services,” said Tucker. “These emerging sectors create opportunities not only for new entrants, but for people who can transfer or build upon skills developed in other industries.”
Tucker said employers who seek support to examine their recruitment, interviewing, onboarding and retention practices through an inclusive lens can increase both the quantity and quality of talent able to access their opportunities.
There is no cost to attend the job fair and it is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.