South Delta Secondary School (SDSS) was buzzing with activity on Thursday lunchtime as several Tsawwassen‑area employers gathered at the school for the annual SDSS Hiring Fair, an event designed to connect students with local summer employment opportunities.
Representatives from a wide range of businesses were on hand to meet students, answer questions, and promote upcoming job openings. Participating employers included McDonald’s (Ladner and Tsawwassen franchise), Four Winds Brewing Company, Ladner Village Market, Pedal Heads, Big Splash Water Slide Park, and the Delta Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre.
Local employers emphasized the value of hiring young people from the community and providing them with their first taste of job experience.
“We love to hire local students and give them opportunities to gain valuable skills and work experience,” said Holly Sorley, Human Resources Manager at Jutt Foods, which operates the McDonald’s locations in Ladner and Tsawwassen. “Working at McDonald’s is a really good first job opportunity for students, as we provide a solid training program and offer students the flexibility to pursue their schoolwork.”
“This is the second year we’ve held this Hiring Fair. So many of our local employers are looking to hire student‑aged staff, so this event gives them a great opportunity to connect with students, tell them about the roles they have available, and encourage them to apply,” said Pamela Cheng, Career and Post Secondary Advisor at SDSS, who organized the event. “We have also spent time in recent weeks supporting students with writing their resumes so they are prepared to apply for these positions.”
For students, the event provided a comfortable, low‑pressure environment to practice speaking with employers.
“The event provides a low‑stress environment without the pressure of an interview, which allows students to ask questions about the jobs available,” Pamela explained. “They can then go home, talk to their families, and decide whether they want to pursue a particular opportunity.”
Ladner Village Market highlighted its popular Street Crew program, which offers hands‑on experience for high school students.
“We hire a Street Crew of eight to ten high school students every year for the Ladner Village Market,” said Meghan Railton, Ladner Village Market. “It’s a great way for students to get involved in the community. Also, they get to see how small businesses operate, which may even spark ideas for them to develop their own businesses in the future.”
Students hired for the Street Crew play a key role in setting up and taking down the market, which runs twice a month from June through September. Their responsibilities include setting up tables, chairs, tents, barricades, and garbage bins, helping vendors load and unload goods, guiding vendors to the correct locations, and putting everyone away at the end of the day.
Other employers were also focused on meeting significant seasonal staffing needs. Blake Burns, Director of Restaurant Operations at Four Winds Brewing Company attended the event seeking staff for the busy summer months, while Big Splash Water Slide Park outlined plans to hire more than 100 students aged 16 and older. They are recruiting for a variety of part‑time and flexible roles, including lifeguards, guest services staff, kitchen helpers, and janitors. Students interested in working at Big Splash are encouraged to attend the water park’s dedicated job fair on May 2 and 3.
The Delta Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre is also offering opportunities for students, with plans to hire five summer students for an eight‑week internship. These students will act as ambassadors for Delta, attending events, setting up booths, interacting with attendees, playing games, and handing out promotional items.
Pedal Heads was on hand recruiting 15 to 20 students to assist with its bike riding camps in Tsawwassen this summer. Training for the successful applicants will take place in June, with the camps for children (aged two to 12 years) running throughout July and August. Applicants must be turning 16 during the calendar year and be willing to complete an online first‑aid course if they do not already hold certification. The role is well‑suited for students interested in working with children as a career path.
“If any other local employers would like to take part in the event next year, please don’t hesitate to reach out,” said Pamela. “We also hold a Careers Week at the school every January, and we always welcome employers who would like to come in and talk to students about what working in their field is like.”
