Record number of youth seek jobs at the Canadian National Exhibition

Thousands of youth will vie for jobs at the Canadian National Exhibition today.

The annual job fair drew a record-breaking 54,000 applicants this year, the CNE said in a press release.

Job-seekers had to pre-register for the job fair on July 21. The registration closed within hours of opening on that date.

The CNE is looking to hire 5,000 seasonal positions such as cashiers, retail associates, game attendants, food service staff, midway operators and informational guides.

Youth reportedly started lining up early Wednesday morning for the fair, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Enercare Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto.

The job fair was open to people aged 14 and over looking for summer employment. Many employers hire on the spot.

The fair come in a tough job market. National youth unemployment (people aged 14 to 24 ) sits at around 14 percent, according to Statistics Canada.

The Ex, Canada’s largest fair, returns for its 146th year, at Exhibition Place from Aug. 15 to Sept. 1.

Highlights this year include a Drag Brunch EXtravaganza with cast from Canada’s Drag Race Season 1; a Dinner in the Sky experience; MYTHOS, an immersive journey of cultural stories; an ice skating and acrobatic show starring Elvis Stojko, SuperDogs, Gaming Garage, Classic Championship Wrestling and the Canadian International Air Show.

Lead photo: Canadian National Exhibition