From Campus to Career: Cambrian College Career Fair Conference connects students with employers – February 3

SUDBURY – One of Northern Ontario’s largest career fairs was held this week at Cambrian College.

Cambrian’s annual Career Fair Conference powered by Palladino Auto Group brought together employers, students, and industry leaders over two days, highlighting workforce trends, strengthening employer partnerships, and creating employment networking opportunities for students and graduates.

“As a community-first organization, the Palladino Auto Group believes that supporting initiatives like Cambrian College’s Career Fair Conference is an investment in the people who make our region thrive,” says Melissa Holla, Director of Human Resources at Palladino Auto Group. “Our continued role as title sponsor reflects both the value this event has brought to our business and our ongoing commitment to giving back to the institution that helps develop tomorrow’s workforce.”

Day one of the conference featured the Employer Solutions Conference, powered by Scotiabank. It focused on employer engagement, workforce development, and invisible barriers to employment. It also included a keynote address from clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Wendler, who spoke about recognizing and accommodating neurodiversity in the workplace.

The highlight of the conference’s second day was the career fair, held in Cambrian’s gym. More than 120 employers from across Ontario and Canada were on hand to meet and recruit students and graduates. New this year was the collaboration with Laurentian University and College Boreal inviting all their students to attend. As part of the career fair, students were also introduced to more than 11 global academic pathways if they plan to pursue more education as part of their career preparation.

“This event continues to evolve into a meaningful space for employers and educators to exchange ideas and strengthen the talent pipeline that feeds our community,” adds Andrew Dale, Manager of Career Development and Student Success at Cambrian College. “By bringing regional employers and students together in purposeful ways, we’re helping graduates connect and move confidently from classroom to career.”

Another highlight of Cambrian’s Career Fair and Conference is the presentation of the Employer Award of Distinction, sponsored by IAMGOLD. The award honours an employer who has demonstrated exemplary support for Cambrian College, its programs and students.

“IAMGOLD is honoured to sponsor this year’s Employer Award of Distinction” explains Natasha Bernard, Human Resources Supervisor for IAMGOLD. “It is so important to recognize employers who go the extra mile to support the development of future generations of workers and provide them with opportunities. In our own experience, the Cambrian Career Fair Conference has been invaluable for us to connect with local talent and showcase real career pathways at our operations—many of which people may not have realized were possible. Mining has evolved, and attracting local talent is crucial to support the industry and the communities that rely on it.”

This year’s winner of the Employer Award of Distinction is Sandvik, a global mining engineering firm with offices across northeastern Ontario.

“We are truly honoured to be chosen as this year’s Employer Award of Distinction winner by Cambrian College,” says Vicki Conrad, HR Country Manager at Sandvik. “Cambrian College continues to be an excellent source of talent for Sandvik, and our partnership – ranging from meaningful contributions like the 2023 donation of a battery-electric loader to enhance hands-on training and prepare students for the future of mining, to our shared focus on attracting the next generation of mining professionals – has been highly beneficial in supporting our growth and innovation. We value this relationship and are proud to help create real opportunities for students that strengthen both their careers and our industry.”

Cambrian College thanks all its sponsors and collaborators for this year’s Career Fair Conference: Palladino Auto Group, Scotiabank, IAMGOLD, Vale, Patrick Group of Companies, ParaMed, Freelandt Caldwell Reilly LLP, SCR Mining and Tunnelling, Y International Recruiting and Immigration Services, Royal Canadian Navy, Cambrian College First Step Centre, Laurentian University and Collège Boréal.