SCAN Seminar and Career Fair next week

If you are looking to transition out of the military, the upcoming Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) information seminar is not to be missed. Information about transition and life after the military will be shared with current serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and their spouses from Oct. 2 to Oct 4.

“It is like a one (stop) shop for that type of information,” said event organizer Lieutenant (Lt) Robert Hall with the Personal Selection Office (PSO). “Right now, there are 27 organizations that are coming to speak, and they are each bringing a specialist with them,” he added.

Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy has highlighted the necessity of helping soldiers’ transition out of the military smoothly. Having the SCAN event over three days will bring the necessary organizations to the CAF personnel so their questions can be answered immediately, and any misconceptions dispelled.

“It provides flexibility to the members where they can attend all three days or pick and chose different parts and different aspects,” said Lt Hall. It is for regular and reserve force members just joining, members planning to transition out in a few years and members who are in the middle of transitioning out of the military as well as their spouses.

It is recommended that members attend at least one year prior to retirement, as well as every five years while serving.

SCAN sessions are free and held at least twice a year, but members must register to attend.

Registration for the upcoming event can be done in person at the Black Bear Soldier Support Centre, building P-142 or by calling 613-687-5511 ext. 4626. Held concurrently on days two and three will be a Career Fair. It is for military members, veterans, and civilians and there will be local as well as provincial and national employers looking for future staff. There will also be several colleges and at least one university on hand to help people with their enrollment questions.

“Most of the organizations at the career fair are very knowledgeable on veterans concerns,” said Lt Hall, “so there should be good connections there.” The event is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario and is a partnership between the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre, Employment Ontario, the Labour Market Group of Renfrew and Lanark and Garrison Petawawa.

The Career Fair runs Oct. 3 and 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Petawawa Civic Centre. Visitors are invited to bring their resume as all employers attending the career fair are currently hiring.

Registration is not necessary for the Career Fair.