Are you coming to the ConnectED YYC Expo? If you answered yes, this blog is for you. If you answered no, don’t worry it’s not too late (in case you haven’t signed up yet, click here). In order to feel prepared for the ConnectED Expo, we wanted to give you a taste of what to expect, through hearing about the Expo from last year’s attendees.
The Employer Perspective
Many Calgary-based employers come to the Expo in order to understand how post-secondary students can impact their organizations. While there are no students present at the event, you can expect to learn how to hire the best student-talent from post-secondary and funding experts.
“I came to explore connections, network with funders, and network with post-secondary institutions to learn how to recruit amazing talent, create internship opportunities and to learn how I can help students take their talents to the next level. I am so glad that I got to explore collaborations that will create such a meaningful impact in our city.”
-A Calgary-based non-profit representative, 2024 Calgary Talent and Funding Fair
Additionally, you will learn about offerings from different schools and their programs. There might be schools that you have never considered hiring a student from, or there might be a program that you didn’t know existed. At the ConnectED Expo, you can expect to learn about different types of students than you initially considered.
“I think TalentED YYC has provided me the opportunity to network with post-secondary institutions such as Ambrose University. I was also really impressed by the University of Calgary and the support that that they’re providing for employers.”-A Calgary-based non-profit representative, 2024 Calgary Talent and Funding Fair
The Post-Secondary Perspective
On the post-secondary side, the representatives are always keen to learn about what industries like yours need when it comes to student hiring. This way, they are better able to help your organization maximize the benefits of student talent. These kind of conversations happened at last year’s event, and you can expect to network in a similar way with the post-secondary representatives this year too.
“I think some of the most valuable conversations we had today was finding out more about what businesses need from us and how we can meet those needs through different work integrated learning options.”– A post-secondary representative, 2024 Calgary Talent and Funding Fair
Through talking with program specialists, you might also realize that students can help you in more ways than you currently realize.
“There are opportunities for everybody. An employer can even work with a group of students being led by their instructor to solve a specific business need. Something like a project is a little bit less time intensive for the employer, but it can still provide a lot of value for them and the students.”
-A post-secondary representative, 2024 Calgary Talent and Funding Fair
With the expert guidance of post-secondary representatives, your organization is sure to learn more about the benefits of student talent!
Network With Funders
A part of being prepared to hire a student, is knowing if you can access funding to help cover their wages. Therefore, you will have the opportunity to discuss your eligibility with multiple funders who can help you support a student. With their help, you might be eligible to earn up to $7,000 in wage subsidies.
Bring all of your funding related questions to the ConnectED Expo, and get ready to feel extra prepared to host a student!
“From my perspective, it was great to have post-secondaries, it was great to have employers and it was an added bonus to have funders in the room too.”
-An attendee at the 2024 Calgary and Talent Funding Fair
At the Expo, you can expect to see the following funders:
- Mitacs
- ECO Canada
- Archeological Society
- Alberta Hospitality Association
- ICTC
To learn more about them, visit our Funding Supports.
What now?
To stay up to date about the ConnectED Expo, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. Also, for all the event logistics and FAQs, be sure to check out The 2025 ConnectED blog.
Our team can’t wait to see you at the ConnectED Expo, and we are so excited to help you learn about hosting student talent!