The East Kootenay Career and Job Fair returns to College of the Rockies gymnasium on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., connecting job seekers, students, and employers from across the region. The first hour of the event will be sensory friendly for those who benefit from a quieter space.
“Each year we are inspired by this event as we watch meaningful connections take place, summer jobs found, and careers launched,” said Co-op and Employment Services Coordinator Jenn Smith, who is co-coordinating the event again this year. “With more than 70 regional and national employers in attendance, we look forward to another successful Career and Job Fair.”
The College partners with WorkBC and Kootenay Employment Services to host the event, with support from Elk Valley Resources.
The 2025 Career and Job Fair welcomed more than 800 community members and students. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with a resume and dress professionally to make a strong impression. Opportunities will include summer employment, career positions, and exploration of future pathways. The event is free and open to everyone.
Before the fair opens on March 4, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., community organizations and businesses are invited to a morning coffee information session hosted by the Neil Squire Society. During this session, business and organizational leaders will learn about resources that support individuals with disabilities in overcoming employment barriers, including assistive technology and financial support. Attendees will be eligible for a draw for a $100 gift card to Ella’s Restaurant.
On Tuesday, March 3, business leaders are invited to attend The Future of Work – A Discussion, part of the ‘She Means Business’ series. Held in the College’s main lecture theatre (room KC250) from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., the evening will be led by a group of local women leaders. A panel will discuss the changing realities and future of work in our region including:
- Influence of constantly evolving technology on processes
- Business to make a living and create thriving communities
- Role of the education system in shaping the workforce of the future
- Changing workforce needs and wants
- People with barriers and their potential for the labour market
The Future of Work – A Discussion will be an interactive event with ample time for questions and to network. Light refreshments will be served.
This event is the result of a partnership between College of the Rockies, Community Futures East Kootenay, Kootenay Employment Services, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and WeBC and is funded by the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
Learn more about the East Kootenay Career and Job Fair, and see a list of vendors, at cotr.ca/career-fair
About College of the Rockies
College of the Rockies is celebrating 50 years of providing post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industries, and businesses of our region. All our campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa people, which is also home to the Kinbasket people. We value our relationships with the four Ktunaxa bands, the Shuswap band, and the Kootenay Regional Office of the Métis Nation, BC. Each year, thousands of full-time and part-time students join us in a full range of programs, including skilled trades, university arts and sciences, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Darryl Dux
Communications Coordinator
College of the Rockies
ddux@cotr.bc.ca