REGINA — Welding sparks, heavy equipment displays, safety demonstrations and career conversations are filling the Balgonie Arena and Multiplex this week as nearly 3,800 Regina-area students explore what their futures could look like at the Regina District Industry Education Council’s Work Safe Grade 9 “Try a Career” event.
The three-day career fair, running until Thursday, May 14, is bringing together students from Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools, Prairie Valley School Division and the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council for one of Saskatchewan’s largest hands-on career exploration events.
Hosted by Regina District Industry Education Council in partnership with Work Safe Saskatchewan and dozens of industry, education and safety organizations, the annual event is designed to help Grade 9 students discover career pathways before entering high school’s senior years.
“This is our tenth annual event, and it just keeps getting bigger, better and more engaging for the students and youth that we serve,” explained Mark Edmonds, executive director of RDIEC.
More than 3,817 students are expected to attend over the three days, with buses arriving from schools throughout Regina and surrounding communities.
Edmonds said the event gives students an early and meaningful introduction to Saskatchewan’s workforce while helping them understand the importance of workplace safety, career planning and education pathways.
“They’re starting to determine what they’re going to be and which high school courses are going to be important for them as they choose and pursue a career,” Edmonds expressed.
Inside the multiplex, students rotate through interactive stations featuring skilled trades, post-secondary institutions, employers, safety organizations and industry partners. The goal is to move beyond brochures and presentations by giving students opportunities to physically engage with careers they may have never considered before.
“They get as hands-on as possible,” Edmonds said. “We want them to explore the trades, post-secondaries, safety organizations and industry partnerships, and really get a sense of what the world of work is going to entail for them.”
The event also includes mandatory workplace safety sessions presented through Work Safe Saskatchewan, helping students better understand their rights and responsibilities before entering summer or part-time jobs.
According to RDIEC, the organization’s mission is to prepare youth for quality careers by building stronger connections between industry and education. Established in 2013, the nonprofit works with school divisions, Indigenous organizations, employers and government agencies to create career development opportunities for students across southern Saskatchewan.
This year’s event features returning industry supporters alongside new sponsors like InterPro Pipe and Steel, while organizers continue expanding the range of industries showcased to students.
“We’re trying to give kids the full meal deal in terms of potential careers or things that might be of interest to them,” Edmonds said.
The event’s major partners include Work Safe Saskatchewan, K+S Potash Canada, SaskPower, Junior Achievement Canada and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Commission.
Edmonds credited the success of the event to the combined efforts of sponsors, volunteers, educators, bus drivers and industry presenters who continue investing in Saskatchewan’s next generation.
“As a community, we achieve so much,” he said.
For many students walking through the doors this week, the event may be their first real glimpse into the careers, industries and opportunities waiting beyond the classroom.
And for RDIEC, that’s exactly the point.
“We’re preparing youth for quality careers,” stated Edmonds.
