An Employment & Community Connections Fair brought together 115 attendees, local employers, service providers, and community partners to promote inclusive employment and help residents explore their next steps.

On September 23, the Maple Ridge Public Library became a hub of connection, opportunity, and inclusion as WorkBC Maple Ridge hosted its Inclusive Futures Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows. This Employment & Community Connections Fair was timed to recognize Disability Employment Month.

The event welcomed 115 attendees, including job seekers, many accompanied by a parent or support worker, who came to explore employment opportunities, learn about community services, and connect with organizations that could help them move forward in their employment journey.

With strong participation from employers, community organizations, training providers, and service agencies, the fair demonstrated the value of bringing people and resources together to create more inclusive pathways to employment.

Connecting job seekers with opportunities

The fair offered attendees the opportunity to meet directly with employers and service providers, learn about inclusive hiring practices and workplace accessibility, and explore a wide range of employment, training, and volunteer opportunities.

Participating organizations represented sectors including community and social services, Indigenous services, early childhood education and family support, food service and hospitality, retail, skilled trades and construction, and municipal and community volunteering.

Opportunities ranged from support worker and family support positions to food service roles, delivery driving, technical and skilled trades careers, apprenticeships, and project coordination. Some employers even conducted screening interviews on-site, giving job seekers an opportunity to take the next step toward employment during the event.

For attendees, the fair provided a welcoming environment to explore possibilities, ask questions, build connections, and discover pathways that aligned with their interests, skills, and goals.

The power of community partnerships

Inclusive Futures highlighted how collaboration among employers, service providers, educational institutions, and community organizations can help individuals navigate barriers to employment and access the support they need to succeed.

Participating organizations included Humble Roots + Ranch Pub & Grill, Panago Pizza, Mucho Burrito, Ozz Electric, Firehouse Subs, the City of Maple Ridge Volunteering Programs, Mission Thrift Store, Community Services, Cythera, Fraser River Indigenous Society, Neil Squire Society, Disability Alliance BC, Ridge Meadows Association for Community Living, Big Brothers Big Sisters, SASET, and Ridge Meadows College.

Together, these organizations showcased the breadth of opportunities and resources available locally, reinforcing the importance of an inclusive workforce where people of all abilities can contribute their talents.

The event also provided employers with an opportunity to connect with potential candidates and engage with organizations that support inclusive hiring and employment accessibility.

A positive experience for exhibitors

The fair’s welcoming atmosphere and manageable size helped create meaningful interactions between attendees and exhibitors. Rob Sheridan, Vice Principal at Ridge Meadows College, shared the following feedback:

“The event was a good one for us. It was well attended by people with genuine interest in programs and the employment opportunities that might be available. The size of the event was perfect for the number of attendees. It was small enough that attendees could see every booth without being overly taxed, and yet big enough that there were not long lineups or waiting around to speak to exhibitors. We appreciated being a part of it.”

This feedback reflects the value of creating accessible, community-based events where job seekers and organizations have the time and space to connect, exchange information, and explore opportunities.

Building a more inclusive workforce

Inclusive Futures Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows demonstrated that creating inclusive employment opportunities takes more than connecting job seekers with vacancies. It requires collaboration, awareness, accessible supports, and employers who recognize the value of a diverse workforce.

By bringing together 115 attendees and a wide range of local employers and community partners, the September 23 fair helped strengthen connections across the community and highlight the many pathways available to people seeking employment, training, volunteering, and career advancement.

Looking for employment support?

WorkBC Centre Maple Ridge offers free employment services and supports to help individuals explore career options, prepare for work, connect with employers, and work toward their employment goals.

Connect with WorkBC Centre Maple Ridge:

Address: 170–22470 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 5Z6
Phone: 604-466-4600
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to the workforce, exploring training, or seeking support to overcome employment barriers, WorkBC can help you identify your next steps.