Sarnia, ON – Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is launching Local Industry Link, a new workforce development and youth retention initiative that will connect local employers with students and young professionals. The first event, presented in partnership with Lambton College, will welcome employers, students from all college programs, and young professionals from across Sarnia-Lambton.
The event will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Sports by Refined Fool, 1326 London Road in Sarnia. Attendance is free with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments provided.
Local Industry Link gives students and young professionals a chance to speak directly with employers in a relaxed setting. They can learn about local industries, ask questions about career paths and better understand the skills employers are looking for. Employers can introduce their organizations, share information about local careers and connect with people who may become future employees.
“Helping businesses connect with local talent is an important part of SLEP’s workforce development portfolio, and is of special value from the standpoint of youth retention. Local Industry Link gives employers a chance to meet students and young professionals while helping more people recognize the career opportunities available here in Sarnia-Lambton,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of SLEP.
“We wanted to create an event where employers and local talent could have real conversations, even if they take place before there is a specific position to fill. Employers can talk about their work, labour gaps and the skills they value, while also hearing directly from students and young professionals about what they are looking for in their careers,” said Cari Meloche, Economic Development Officer with SLEP.
Although the first event is being presented with Lambton College, Local Industry Link is open to all students and young professionals from across the community. Following the event, SLEP will gather feedback from participants and explore opportunities to offer similar events with other community partners, while also seeking to implement learnings in future SkillUp programming to support youth employment development.
“Speaking directly with employers can help students better understand the career options available to them. We are pleased to partner with SLEP on this event and give students another opportunity to learn about careers in the community,” said Susan Doughty, Professor in Lambton College’s School of Business and Sustainability Leadership.
More information and registration are available at https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/events/local-industry-link.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership:
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we focus on promoting the distinct advantages Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and maintaining a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
For Media Inquiries:
Arianne Garcia
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
(519) 332 1820 ext 225
arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
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