Ever considered a job in the army? For those who have been tempted by the prospect, the Canadian Armed Forces is hosting a career fair in North Vancouver this weekend.
The event, organized by 39 Combat Engineer Regiment, part of the Army Reserve in the Canadian Armed Forces, will run at the Lt.-Col. James Pemberton Fell Armoury at 1513 Forbes Ave. from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Alongside learning what jobs are available in the Army Reserve, guests can also check out a line-up of the different vehicles, equipment and weapons that come with the hands-on job. Soldiers will also be on hand to answer any burning questions about a career in the army.
The event is open to anyone of age who may be interested in the certain type of adventure, training and opportunities the army offers, said Maj. Andrew Gower, the officer commanding 6 Engineer Squadron.
“I think what people don’t understand about the Canadian Armed Forces today is how inclusive we are as an employer. Anybody can join, we’re focused on if you’re fit, and if you can carry out the skills that are needed, that’s what matters,” said Gower.
Working for the army is working for a “high tempo, operationally focused organization,” said Gower.
Members of the Army Reserve in British Columbia can expect to train during evenings and weekends while serving as a part-time component of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“We train in war fighting skills – specifically 6 engineer Squadron, which is a combat engineer unit. Members will learn the skills required to provide mobility support and counter-mobility support to the rest of the army on the battlefield,” he said.
That includes jobs like mine warfare, building obstacles and building fixed and floating bridges, he added.
“We also deploy disaster response, so when there are forest fires and floods it is these members who will be stopping the water and putting out the fires.”
For anyone who may be intimidated at the prospect of a career in the army, Gower said it is worth trying for a “bit of adventure, some hard work, learning new skills and experiencing things that you wouldn’t be able to anywhere else.”
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
