On Tuesday, more than 300 young job seekers gathered at Platform Calgary for a youth employment summit organized by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). The event aimed to connect newcomers with local employers amid Alberta's youth unemployment rate of 13.8%, which is more than double the provincial average. With 341 registered participants aged 15 to 30, the summit featured over 30 employers and included workshops on job search processes, interview preparation, and building professional portfolios. Organizers emphasized the importance of providing a supportive environment beyond a traditional job fair, aiming to inspire and prepare youth for the challenges of job hunting. Participants shared their experiences of navigating the job market, highlighting the need for community support and understanding Canadian workplace culture. The event's success was evident from last year's summit, which resulted in 56 on-the-spot hires. Employers noted that personal interactions often reveal qualities not visible on resumes, underscoring the value of face-to-face connections in the hiring process.