(Fort McMurray, AB - September 18th, 2023) FMPSD students were thrilled to attend the Oil Sands Trade Show and explore the exciting career opportunities offered by the industry. This unique experience allowed the students to interact with exhibitors and professionals and gain essential knowledge about various technologies, products, and services.
Thanks to a partnership with EventWorx, the organizers of the Oil Sands Trade Show, FMPSD high school students were given exclusive private access to the event, where they had the opportunity to interact with exhibitors and industry professionals. Leading organizations, including Keyano College, Alberta Innovates, Canada Action, and Women Building Futures, delivered presentations on the range of exciting career opportunities available within the industry. The students were left in awe of the diversity of options available to them, gaining invaluable insights into the educational pathways required as well as the practical requirements necessary to pursue a fulfilling career in a specialized field.
Paula Arnold, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Eventworx, praised the partnership with FMPSD, highlighting the inspiring nature of leading a group of young students who are not typically exposed to trade shows and the incredible technologies on display. Arnold also noted how it changes their perspective on the industry, which is often misunderstood as “boring.”
“It’s always inspiring to lead a group of students who a) have never been to a Trade Show before and b) realize and recognize that their parents are working in the industry. In addition, the technology they get to see is eye-opening for them, as they usually think their parents’ jobs or the industry is ‘boring’. It puts their perspective in a different category. Last year, many students were unaware of the driving force behind their City – and were equally impressed that so many career options are available.”
As part of their visit, students had the opportunity to converse with experts in different trades, ask insightful questions, and better understand the practical requirements necessary to pursue their desired career paths. Moreover, they had the chance to explore numerous exhibitors, including lively demonstrations and informative presentations tailored explicitly towards them.
FMPSD’s Director of Teaching and Learning, Jen Quigley, emphasizes the importance of such events in fostering a collaborative and explorative learning environment. “Through events like the Oil Sands Trade Show, students can participate in hands-on learning while discovering technologies and possible career paths,” says Quigley.
“FMPSD’s ongoing partnership with EventWorx and the Oil Sands Trade Show provides unique and private access for our students to experienced individuals and companies in the Trades and Oil Sand industries. At the Oil Sands Trade Show, presenters and exhibitors came to the tradeshow floor hours before the show opens so that they may connect with our students personally and partner in educating them about the opportunities available and helping them explore their interests.”
FMPSD strives to prepare its students for success in their post-secondary education and future careers by fostering an environment of collaborative learning and continually exposing students to new experiences and opportunities. With continued efforts to provide students with unique experiences, such as the Oil Sands Trade Show, FMPSD ensures that all learners have an opportunity for open exploration and development regarding their future career paths.
As a follow-up to the success of the Oil Sands Trade Show, FMPSD will be hosting its first annual Career Fair on October 24th, 2023, at Composite High School, with several exhibitors who attended the Oil Sands Trade Show. The event will provide students a platform to connect with industry professionals and gain further insights into exciting career opportunities. Companies hoping to be part of FMPSD’s Career Fair may contact FMPSD Director of Teaching and Learning, Jen Quigley @ jen.quigley@fmpsd.ab.ca.
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca