Discover. Connect. Succeed.
The West Kootenay Career Fair is one of the region’s largest events for networking, recruitment, and experiential learning. It connects students, job seekers, community members and organizations while fostering workforce development and supporting local service providers across diverse industries.
Co-organized by Selkirk College and Kootenay Career Development Society (KCDS), the event reflects a strong partnership between education, industry, and the community.
Event Details
March 12, 2026: 9 am–3 pm in Castlegar
- Focusing on programs in Environment and Geomatics, Business and Accounting, Arts and Science, Engineering, and Health and Human Services.
Transportation
In addition to regular public transportation routes, complimentary shuttle services will operate on event days.
- Castlegar WorkBC Centre, Castlegar Community Complex, Castlegar Campus: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (every 15 minutes)
- Trail Campus, Trail WorkBC Centre, Castlegar Campus: Departing Trail at 8:30 am, 10:15 am, 1 pm. Return trip departing Castlegar at 9:15 am, 11 am, 3 pm
Meet the Exhibitors
- Spearhead
- Chartered Professional Accountants British Columbia (CPABC)
- Royal Canadian Navy (RCN)
- Teck Resources Ltd
- Metis Nation BC
- Okanagan Training Development Council - OTDC
- Ktunaxa Nation
- Okanagan Nation Alliance - ONA
- Integrated Proaction Corp
- NUPQU Resource Limited Partnership
- Forsite Consultants Ltd.
- Above Sensing Ltd.
- Wildsight
- Vast Resource Solutions
- Christina Lake Stewardship Society
- Ministry of Forests - Natural Resource Officer Service
- Sphere Environmental
- BC Public Service - Recreation Sites and Trails BC - RSTBC/Parks & Protected Areas - LMPA
- Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd.
- BC Public Service - Ministry of Forests - FOR/BCTS/BCWS/SEFC
- Siya Forestry
- RCMP BCHP
- Canfor Forest Products Ltd.
- Kettle River Contracting
- Fastenal
- FortisBC
- Fenix Advanced Materials
- AtkinsRéalis
- Kalesnikoff Lumber
- Mercer Celgar Ltd
- Thompson Rivers University
- Okanagan College
- Nelson Family Eyecare Optometry Clinic
- Special Olympics BC
- Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese
- BCSPCA
- Focused Life -Force Energy
- Sentinel Speakers Toastmasters
- Kootenay Insurance Services
- Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy - CBAL
- HUB International Insurance Brokers Ltd.
- School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake) - SD8
- Kootenay Talent + Recruitment
- Grant Thornton LLP
- Snehaamrtham
- Castlegar & District Community Services Society
- Kootenay Society for Community Living
- Pacific Coast Community Resources Inc.
- Trail Association for Community Living
- Freedom Quest Youth Services
- Golden Life Management
- BC Emergency Health Services
- Axis Family Resourcess Ltd
- Interior Health Authority
Meet our Sponsors
Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC)
We are the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 40,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA candidates.
CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy.
CPAs are on the front lines of business in BC, and they see firsthand the issues that are affecting investment and the economy. Our members advise multinational corporations, small businesses, not-for-profits, government agencies, and countless individuals. They are highly regarded for their leadership in the field of public accounting, their strategic insight in the boardrooms of top corporations, and their guidance in government and public sector accounting.
Spearhead
Spearhead is a strategic fabrication partner, bridging craft and technology to push possibilities in timber construction. Over the past 36 years, we’ve delivered 600 projects across five countries.
From forest to fabrication, we’re hands-on through every step of the material journey. We partner with local forestry, manufacture our own glulam, and fabricate in-house.
In collaboration with architects, engineers, and builders, we deliver elegant solutions to complex challenges and find efficiencies across multiple scopes of work.
We take pride in fostering a positive work environment, where the expertise and contributions of each team member are valued.
Together, we’ll amplify and execute ambitious projects.
Tips for Success
Engagement Tips
- Prepare and introduce yourself confidently.
- Engage in meaningful conversations and ask thoughtful questions.
- Focus on building connections rather than seeking immediate job offers.
- Follow up with employers after the event.
- Explore the resources and services available within the community.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid expecting immediate job offers or interviews; most organizations require online applications.
- Do not attend solely for swags - focus on meaningful engagement.
- Rather than asking directly for a job, seek advice, insights, and information about opportunities.
Meet the Organizers
Selkirk College Co-op Education
Co-op Education is a form of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) that connects classroom learning with paid, hands-on experience. Students gain practical skills and industry experience, while employers access motivated talent to support projects and strengthen their workforce.
We are proud members of ACE-WIL BC/Yukon and CEWIL Canada, reflecting our commitment to high-quality work-integrated learning.
Kootenay Career Development Society (KCDS)
Whether you’re looking for your first job, considering a career change, or just need support updating your resume, KCDS is here to help. We offer free individualized employment support, career guidance and connections to financial supports that can help reduce barriers to finding and starting work. Paid career coaching is now also available for individuals who are not eligible for our free services.
Reach out to our team or visit one of our local centres in Castlegar, Nelson or Trail to get started!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
