Healthcare employers, training providers gather in Chatham to fill local roles
The growing healthcare sector in Chatham and across Chatham-Kent is staging a concentrated effort to recruit workers this week, with a Healthcare Community Resource and Job Fair taking place at the Chatham Everest Convention Centre on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Organisers say the event will bring together employers, training providers and community agencies to showcase career pathways and local support services.
Attendance is free and intended for a wide range of participants — from job seekers and students to newcomers and people considering a career change. The fair provides direct access to employers hiring for clinical and support roles, as well as information on training, certification and community programs that help sustain employment in the sector.
Organisers emphasised the variety of opportunities on offer.
“Whether you’re a job seeker, student, newcomer, or someone exploring a career change, this event is designed to help you take the next step,”the event materials state. They also urged residents not to miss the chance to meet employers and learn about in-demand roles in a welcoming environment.
Who will be there — employers and supports
The fair features an array of local and regional service providers and employers. Those listed by organisers include long-term care operators, home-care providers, hospitals, community living organisations and public health partners. A non-exhaustive list provided to attendees includes:
- Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
- Extendicare – Village on the Ridge
- Bayshore Home Care Solutions
- VON and ParaMed
- Community Living Chatham-Kent and Community Living Wallaceburg
- Chatham-Kent Hospice and Family Service Kent
- CKJobs and CKJobs Workshops
Organisers said the event will also include community resource booths offering navigation, training and support services to help attendees move from application to employment.
Quick reference: participating organisations
| Employer booths | Community resource booths |
|---|---|
| Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent Bayshore Home Care Solutions Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Extendicare – Village on the Ridge Hudson Manor |
Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent Public Health CKJobs Community Navigators March of Dimes |
The list provided to media also referenced local agencies such as Riverview Gardens, St. Angela’s Meadow Care Centre, Tilbury District Family Health Team, Voyago/Transdev and Westover Treatment Centre, among others.
Why the fair matters locally
Local employers say they are feeling pressure to fill positions across the health-care continuum, from long-term-care and home support to acute care and community services. The job fair represents a concentrated opportunity for employers and job seekers to connect without the delay of online postings and separate interviews.
For many in Chatham-Kent, the event also provides information about training and certifications that can open pathways into stable employment. With workforce shortages in many parts of Ontario’s health system, local matches — where employers can hire people who live in the community — are increasingly viewed as essential to maintaining services.
Organisers encouraged those attending to bring résumés and be prepared to speak directly with hiring representatives. They described the event as both a recruitment forum and a place to learn about supports that can help people overcome barriers to employment.
Admission is free and open to all. The Chatham Everest Convention Centre is located in downtown Chatham, and the fair runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
