In a unique way, the Four County Labour Market Planning Board is improving awareness of career opportunities throughout the board’s region with its’ “SOS” mobile showcase.

The 24’ long trailer travels to strategic events, schools and other community functions highlighting career and training opportunities in Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties. Our objective is to reach students, parents, workers in career transition, and the community at large with the message that career opportunities exist for workers with the skills that local employers need.

The trailer provides up-to-date labour market information specific to our area, interactive user friendly multimedia, and informative videos profiling a wide range of skills training and employment opportunities.
The project is aimed to reach people seeking employment or career transition, as well as to youth as they consider future education and employment options.

Displays in the trailer are interchangeable and focus on in-demand employment in key sectors such as healthcare, green jobs, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, environment and construction. The trailer also features information about employment service providers, skills and education upgrading, career opportunities and health and safety in the workplace.

Between April 2011 and February 2012, 3,200 visitors passed through the trailer at events such as Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority’s Forest Festival, the Children's Water Festival in Chesley, MedQuest in Walkerton, Kinicardine Family Day, FunTech at Stratford Northwestern Secondary School, and Cape Croker’s Pow Wow. This significant activity doubled the amount of visitors from the previous year. The trailer also made a special trip to attend Algonquin College's skills competition/trade fair in Pembroke.

Comments made by students and the general public include that “it was interesting to see how it was adapted” for each outing, “it’s nice to have the info come to the rural area”, and “it shows people there are fantastic trades to work in”.