What to know
- More than 50,000 people applied for CNE jobs this year, with over 1,300 positions already filled ahead of the Aug. 21 opening.
- Young Torontonians told Now Toronto they’ve spent months or even years applying for jobs with little success.
- Applicants say they’ve been repeatedly “ghosted” by employers despite submitting applications through sites like Indeed and LinkedIn.
- The CNE says it is also offering résumé support and professional headshots to help young people improve their chances of finding work.
Young Torontonians are opening up about the challenges of finding work as more than 50,000 people apply for jobs at this year’s CNE.
More than 50,000 people have applied for jobs at this year’s Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), underscoring the fierce competition young Torontonians face as they search for work in a challenging job market.
The annual CNE job fair returned to Toronto’s Enercare Centre this week as organizers race to fill hundreds of seasonal positions before the fair opens on Aug. 21.
Organizers say they have already received more than 50,000 applications, with more than 1,300 positions filled so far.
Young job seekers say finding work has become a struggle
For many attendees, landing a job has proven increasingly difficult.
One university student told Now Toronto she has been unemployed for more than a year despite submitting countless applications.
“It’s been so hard. Indeed is just fed up with me. Indeed is just like, ‘Stop sending me emails,’ because they know I’m not gonna get any jobs,” she said.
She said she has also applied for jobs with the City of Toronto without success, adding that finding work has become even more stressful while trying to pay university tuition.
High school student Aziz said he has been applying for jobs through LinkedIn and Indeed for more than six months.
“But most of the time I just got ghosted,” he told Now Toronto.
Another job seeker, Azil B., said the experience has left him worried about his future.
“Even if I graduate high school, go to college, get to university, have many degrees, I don’t know if I can get a stable job here,” he said.
Tiffany J. said she’s been searching for work since 2024 and has landed interviews but still hasn’t secured a job.
“They’re saying that there’s jobs for teens, yet all the teens are here, and I don’t see anybody getting a job,” she said.
She added that the prolonged job search has made it harder to become financially independent.
“I don’t want to be dependent on people. I know I’m still a teen, but I want to have my own possessions and feel proud of myself. Back in the day, you could do that,” she said.
CNE says it’s helping young people build skills
CNE CEO Mark Holland said the organization recognizes how difficult it can be for young people to land their first job and has expanded supports beyond hiring.
“We also have resources, take headshots, help with CVs, so those resources are here to help young people. If they can’t get a job today, they have the skills and the tools they need to get that job in the future,” he told Now Toronto.
Holland said he has been encouraged by the turnout and determination shown by this year’s applicants.
“When you come to the CNE, you want to have a great time, you really want to enjoy yourself, so having those young people filled with that spirit and enthusiasm is a massive part of our experience here. It’s pretty cool to connect with them,” he said.
