JobsCentral Held Another Successful Career and Education Fair in 2018
JobsCentral held another successful fair for jobseekers and those looking to upskill, drawing a turnout of over 1500 visitors during the two-day event.
Held annually and open to Singaporeans, permanent residents (PRs), and foreigners with valid work passes, the Jobscentral Career and Education Fair 2018 took place at Suntec City Convention Centre, Halls 401 and 402, on 25 and 26 August. Out of the 1500 visitors, close to 1200 were Singaporeans and PRs, which amounted to a high 72% of the visitors.
As with previous years, there was no shortage of driven and enthusiastic jobseekers under the current dynamic and healthy employment climate. From fresh and young graduates to mature and experienced professionals, both days saw a line formed even before doors opened, as they await entry to ascertain further information about available positions, organisational culture, and internal progression from the people who know best.
Presenting sponsor and Gold sponsor this year were Great Eastern Life Assurance Singapore and AIA Singapore respectively. With over 45 employer and education exhibitors, ranging from industries such as food and beverage and freight transportation, to financial services and fashion, visitors had the luxury of interacting with global organisations from the industry of their vocation, one that was worlds apart as they contemplate a career change, or any that piqued their interest the most as they leave their options open.
Besides exploring among the sea of exhibitors in the halls, jobseekers had the option to attend any of the 12 complimentary seminars at the JobsCentral Career Summit 2018. Reception was warm as the career and learning sessions, held by organisers such as Far East Organization, CSM Academy International, and S P Jain School of Global Management, covered industry transformations, market updates, financial savviness, life skills, and education landscapes.
This was the value visitors saw in physical career fairs – a one-stop venue for all things career and education.
According to Han Yong, a 28-year-old Singaporean, who used to be with SMRT Corporation, coming down would give him a “better idea of what he would like to do in the near future.”
“My main motivation was to explore the suitable jobs available in my industry,” he shared.
For Grace Brown (last name changed to protect her privacy), who is 27 years old and holds an S Pass, her intention was to be on a “lookout for an engineering position as (she) considered switching jobs.”
“My colleague sent me the link to this event and advised me to go down to check it out; I thought it was a good idea and decided to make some time for it,” she elaborated.
Fresh graduates particularly found it beneficial as they are open to multiple career pathways. Without much working experience as well, it is a great opportunity to have face-to-face chats with the staff on hand to have a more in-depth understanding of various sectors and fields.
Shannon Ong, a 22-year-old who has just graduated from SIM-UOL with a degree in business and management, chimed, “I am looking for something that would interest me. Everything is done online these days, but I think it would be good to meet the employers in person as the first step, before I consider applying for a position with them.”
