Check out this week’s Hot Tip sheet for information on hiring fairs for Shaw Communications, Nanaimo Seniors Village and the working in Alberta Online Job Expo.
May 13 Hot Tip Sheet
May 13th, 2013May 6 Hot Tip Sheet
May 6th, 2013This week’s Hot Tip Sheet has labour market notes from The Career Centre hiring fair and more.
Construction and Trades Training Program for Youth
May 6th, 2013Are you a youth or know a youth interested in the construction and trades industry? BladeRunners is a Youth Skills Link program that builds community partnerships and connects motivated, job ready youth with valuable employment opportunities in the construction and trades industry.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Youth between the ages of 16-30 and not attending school
- Out of work and no EI attachment
- Little or no skill based training/certificates or work experience
- Barriers to successful attachment to the work world
Youth must attend the information session to qualify for an interview:
May 13, 2013 at 10:00am and 2:00pm, at Nanaimo Youth Services Association, 290 Bastion St., Nanaimo, BC
Participants will:
- Participate in four weeks of paid in-class skill enhancement (beginning May 27, 2013)
- Receive a work clothing allowance
- Have the opportunity for a 2 week/54 hours of work experience placement
- Obtain First Aid, WHMIS, Forklift, Traffic Control and other related tickets and group based employability skill
- Receive individual support and guidance
To find out more, call 250-248-3205 to register for an information session at The Career Centre.
April 29 Hot Tip Sheet
May 1st, 2013This week’s Hot Tip sheet has information on our hiring fair, current projects and development, local job leads and more: http://www.careercentre.org/pdfs/LMIhottipsApril29_2013.pdf.
April 22 Hot Tips
April 23rd, 2013This week’s Hot Tip sheet has information on the latest construction forecast, our hiring fair, the North Vancouver Island Digital Media Symposium and more: http://www.careercentre.org/pdfs/LMIhottipsApril22_2013.pdf.
April 15 Hot Tips
April 15th, 2013We attended the Port Alberni, Nanaimo and the Retirement Concepts (The Gardens at Qualicum Beach) Hiring Fairs last week. Read our Hot Tip sheet for information from these hiring fairs and more http://www.careercentre.org/pdfs/LMI_hot_tips_April_15,_2013.pdf.
April 8 Hot Tips
April 8th, 2013General LMI
- The Canadian Federation of University Women, Parksville-Qualicum (CFUW-PQ) is offering two Return to School Bursaries for Women. The bursaries are $2,000 each. For details and eligibility visit http://cfuwpq.ca . The application deadline is June 1.
Current news on projects and development that may lead to employment opportunities:
- Pheasant Glen Golf Resort is reviving its proposal to build a mixed resort-residential neighbourhood on property adjacent to the golf course. – April 4 Oceanside Star
Upcoming hiring fairs:
- Cowichan Job Fair, April 10th from 10am to 3pm. Employers attending include Catalyst Paper, VIHA, Island Savings Credit Union and the Clements Centre Society. Updates at www.gvsjobs.com.
- Alberni Valley Hiring Fair, April 10th from 11am to 3pm. Some employers include: Catalyst Paper, Canada Safeway, Western Forest Products, Buy Low Foods, Boston Pizza, Long Beach Lodge Tofino, RBC, BC Corrections, Nurse Next Door, Canadian Armed Forces, Scotiabank and more, plus NIC, VIU & Sprott Shaw College.
- Nanaimo Hiring Fair, April 11th, 2013, 1pm to 4pm at the VI Conference Centre. Employers include: VIHA, Island Crisis Care Society, J. Garnons Williams Ltd., Nanaimo Seniors Village, St. Johns Ambulance, We Care Home Health Services, Catalyst Paper, School District 68 Nanaimo – Ladysmith, TD Bank Group, Nordia and more. For more information see the website.
- Retirement Concepts (The Gardens at Qualicum Beach) Job Fair, Friday, April 12th 10am to 6pm at 650 Berwick Road North, Qualicum Beach. They are recruiting for the following positions: Health Care Aide, Houskeeping Aide, Laundry Aide, Cook, Dining Room Attendant, Food Service Aide and Executive Chef.
- The Career Centre Hiring Fair will be Thursday May 2, 12pm to 4pm at the Parksville Community Conference Centre. Registered employers include The Beach Club Resort, Black Diamond Mechanical, Blue Coast Research Ltd., Hosting Nation, J. Garnons Williams Ltd., Nordia Inc., Nurse Next Door, Quality Foods, RCMP, Sun Life Financial, Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Tim Hortons, Vancouver Island University, Wood Winds Community Support Society and the Skilled Trades Employment Program. Also community partners Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot, Oceanside Volunteer Association and Venture Connect.
Business Beat:
- Soak Essentials Marketplace will be opening in the mini-mall at the Island Hwy and Morison Avenue in Parksville http://www.soakessentials.com/brick-mortar-store-soak-essentials-marketplace/
- Douglas Business Magazine in Victoria named The Edge Food Energy Inc a company to watch in 2013
- Jan Kretz, owner of Adventuress Sea Kayaking is looking to set up her kayaking and adventuring business at the hovercraft landing on Parksville Beach. She plans to start operating in late June or early July this year – April 4 Oceanside Star
- Nanoose Hill Esso is now a Chevron, they are going through a major renovation and are open to receiving resumes for the future store and restauran
- The Orange Bridge Market has opened at #1-731 Island Hwy E in Parksville and current hours of operations are 8am to 5pm. The owner is open to receiving applications for customer service and barista.
- The Town of Qualicum Beach is looking for qualified individuals for the position of Labourer Trainee to work on a seasonal/temporary full-time basis in the Parks Department. More information can be found on the full posting on page A42 of the Thursday April 4 Parksville Qualicum Beach News.
Trade Shows and Networking Opportunities
- On Sunday April 14 from 8am to 2pm the Lighthouse Country Business Association will be holding a Trade Show at the Qualicum Bay Lion’s Den. Over 130 businesses are members of the association, including builders, contractors, farm fresh foods, hair dressers, massage therapy, realtors and many more. www.lighthousecountry.ca
Local Job Leads:
- Stanford Place has a current posting on their website for a Housekeeping and Laundry Manager http://www.stanfordplace.ca/pdf/careers.pdf
- Medical Laboratory Assistants Life Labs has a variety of positions posted on their website.
- WildPlay is hiring for a variety of positions.
- Seen on Facebook April 4: Coast Glass Ltd. & Coast Closets: It hasn’t officially been posted but I’ll let you all in on a little secret. We are looking for a labourer to help out in both the glass & closet shops, and who can help out in the office from time to time. If you, or someone you know, are interested, please forward your resume with references to coastglass@shaw.ca or fax it to 250-248-3911 or stop by and drop it off.
- The Society of Organized Services in Parksville (SOS) will be the local provider of a new Better at Home program to assist seniors with non-medical services and keep them living independently in their own homes. SOS has posted the Program Coordinator position on the Career Centre job posting site. For more information on the program visit www.betterathome.ca
- Ed at Ed’s Lawn Care is seeking an experienced grounds maintenance person. Interested candidates can email a resume to elcare1@shaw.ca
Industry Highlight: Mining
Quick Facts from March 23 Provincial Government news release:
- Currently there are more than 29,000 people in B.C. employed in mining, mineral exploration, and related sectors.
- New employment opportunities and job creation in the mining sector have the potential to add an additional 10,000 direct jobs over next 10 years.
- Mining exploration funding was $322 million in 2010, as compared with $154 million in 2009.
- In 2012, exploration spending in B.C. was $680 million, up 47 per cent from 2011.
- Total production value of the mining industry in B.C. in 2012 was $7.4 billion.
- Under the BC Jobs Plan, the government committed to opening eight new mines and nine expansions to currently operating mines.
- Since the Jobs Plan was released, government has approved six major expansions of existing mines, three new mines are under construction and two new mines have begun production.
Learn More:
- Mining Association of BC: www.mining.bc.ca
- Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia: www.amebc.ca
- See a recently taped interview with Zoë Younger, Vice President of Corporate Affairs with the Mining Association of BC at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/30534613. Watching this video would be beneficial for anyone considering a career in the mining sector.
Spring Hiring Fair in Oceanside
March 27th, 2013Local businesses are hiring! The Career Centre is organizing a Spring Hiring Fair on Thursday May 2nd from 12pm to 4pm at the Parksville Community & Conference Centre, 132 East Jensen Avenue, Parksville.
Hiring Fairs are unique in that they put employers who are looking for staff together with people seeking employment. It saves steps in the process for both parties.
To ensure you put your best foot forward when attending the hiring fair, here are some tips:
Preparing for the Hiring Fair
This is no different than attending an interview at an employer’s place of business so you need to dress appropriately.
Take a folder with you containing the following:
- A list of the employers you want to meet with
- Several copies of your resume and cover letter on good quality white paper
- Several copies of your references, also on good quality white paper
- If applicable, copies of any letters of reference, certificates, diplomas, etc. do not bring originals
- Bring a note pad and several pens
- Research information on the companies you will be seeing and have a list of questions to ask employers
- A sample completed application form so that you have all of your information at hand rather than having to rely on your memory each time.
At the Fair
Write down the name of the person and company you are meeting with and their contact information or obtain a business card from them.
After the Fair
Send a thank you note or e-mail to them the next day. If you do this via e-mail make sure it is in proper business language: no jargon, abbreviations or spelling mistakes.
For more tips, information on employers that will be attending and support to prepare for the Spring Hiring Fair, register for one of our workshops “How to Prepare for a Hiring Fair”. These workshops are scheduled for Tuesday April 16 or Tuesday April 23 from 1pm to 4pm . To register call 250-248-3205 or drop by our office at #110-198 East Island Highway in beautiful downtown Parksville.
March 25 Hot Tips
March 25th, 2013Current news on projects and development that may lead to employment opportunities:
- Monday March 18 – Parksville council awarded a $2-million contract to widen and upgrade the Highway 19A between Rushton Avenue and Moilliet Street to Knappett Industries. Work will be starting very soon (although construction will be postponed during the busy season in July and August).
- The Save On Foods project has broken ground. The contractor is Norson Construction and they are located in North Vancouver. Contact info for Norson Construction: Suite 105-267 Esplanade W, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1A5, (604) 986-5681, Email: norson@norson.com
- On March 11, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, announced support for upgrades to the Errington War Memorial Hall under the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The federal government’s investment of $34,250 will enhance the accessibility of the hall and create jobs. Pickard Construction is working on the project www.pickardconstruction.ca.
Upcoming hiring fairs:
- Cowichan Job Fair 2013 on April 10 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Employers attending include Catalyst Paper, VIHA, Island Savings Credit Union and the Clements Centre Society. Updates at www.gvsjobs.com.
- Alberni Valley Hiring Fair April 10 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Some employers include: Catalyst Paper, Canada Safeway, Western Forest Products, Buy Low Foods, Boston Pizza, Long Beach Lodge Tofino, RBC, BC Corrections, Nurse Next Door, Canadian Armed Forces, Scotiabank and more, plus NIC, VIU & Sprott Shaw College.
- Nanaimo Hiring Fair April 11, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the VI Conference Centre. Employers include: VIHA, Island Crisis Care Society, J. Garnons Williams Ltd., Nanaimo Seniors Village, St. Johns Ambulance, We Care Home Health Services, Catalyst Paper, School District 68 Nanaimo – Ladysmith, TD Bank Group, Nordia and more. For more information see the website http://set-nanaimo.com/hiringfair.aspx.
- The Career Centre Hiring Fair will be May 2, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Parksville Community & Conference Centre. Registered employers include The Beach Club Resort, Black Diamond Mechanical, Blue Coast Research Ltd., Hosting Nation, Nurse Next Door, Quality Foods, RCMP, Sun Life Financial, Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort, Wood Winds Community Support Society and the Skilled Trades Employment Program. Also community partners Community Futures Alberni-Clayoquot, Oceanside Volunteer Association and Venture Connect will be attending.
Trade Shows and Networking Opportunities:
- The Oceanside Family Health and Wellness Fair will be on April 6 and 7 at the Parksville Community & Conference Centre from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
- On Sunday April 14 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm the Lighthouse Country Business Association will be holding a Trade Show at the Qualicum Bay Lion’s Den. Over 130 businesses are members of the association, including builders, contractors, farm fresh foods, hairdressers, massage therapy, realtors and many more. www.lighthousecountry.ca
Business Beat:
- Bugsy’s Bar and Grill closed on March 16. New owners Helen and Ming Tan will open the doors at the end of April and will offer Chinese food, the restaurant will be called Tan’s Kitchen.
- The White Elephant Thai Cuisine, located on 144 Weld Street, Parksville, will be opening Monday March 25.
Local Job Leads:
- Black Diamond Mechanical who will be participating in our hiring fair is in need of apprenticeship and journeymen heavy duty mechanics.
- Seen in the March 21 PQB News: Arrowsmith Golf Course is seeking groundskeepers and cooks. Email resumes to playpar@golfarrowsmith.com Attention Larry for the groundskeeper position and Steve for the cook position.
- Nanoose Edibles Organic Farm currently has openings for part-time and full time greenhouse and salad-greens workers.
Seasonal/Out of Town Job Leads:
- Painters Lodge and April Point Resort and Spa are hiring for a variety of seasonal positions including Head Chef, Maintenance Gardener, Dock Attendant, Baker/Pastry Chef, Dining Room Supervisor/Manager, Room Attendant, Dishwasher, Busser, Laundry Room Attendant, Host/Hostess, Server – Dining Room , Morning & Evening, Servers – Lounge & Pub, Cook, Marine Center Guest Services, Night Auditor/Full Time, Bartenders – Lounge & Pub, Night Auditor – Part Time, Bartenders – Lounge, and Front Desk Clerk. More information can be found on their website http://www.obmg.com/crew/job-fair/.
- Strategic is looking for enthusiastic team players with a passion for the outdoors to join our Wilderness Recreation Team. They are seeking 4 individuals to work as Park Facility Operators in Cape Scott Provincial Park and on the North Coast Trail. Applicants must be willing and able to work safely in a remote, backcountry setting. Shifts will be long and living conditions will be rustic. The weather is extreme (wind, rain and cold) in this area. Park Facility Operators are responsible for visitor services, trail maintenance and facility maintenance within Cape Scott Provincial Park. They may also be called upon to assist with other projects throughout the season. The positions are 40 hours/week equivalent and the pay range is $14.00 to $16.00/hour. Although these positions are seasonal, continued full-time employment with our dynamic company is available for the right applicants who successfully complete the season in Cape Scott. More information can be found at http://www.sfmi.ca/sites/default/files/hr/2013-Parks-Team%20Job-Posting.pdf
This Week’s Labour Market Hot Tips
March 18th, 2013
Current news on projects and development that may lead to employment opportunities:
- The December 2012 Major Projects Inventory has just been released and can be found at http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/ministry/major_projects_inventory/index.htm. Thirty-five major projects started construction in the fourth quarter, with an estimated value of $2.4 billion. The largest project started was the Cape Scott Wind Farm near Port Hardy at $300 million.
- The Save On Foods project has broken ground. The contractor is Norson Construction and they are located in North Vancouver. Contact info for Norson Construction: Suite 105-267 Esplanade W, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1A5, (604) 986-5681, Email: norson@norson.com.
- On March 11, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni, announced support for upgrades to the Errington War Memorial Hall under the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF). The federal government’s investment of $34,250 will enhance the accessibility of the hall and create jobs.
- WestJet will launch non-stop service between Nanaimo and Calgary starting June 24. There is a current screening officer position posted at the Nanaimo airport https://g4s.mua.hrdepartment.com/hrsmart/ats/Posting/view/839.
Two big projects are on the books to start in Campbell River in 2014:
- John Hart Generating Station, which will provide an estimated 2000 person hours of work for five years. In late summer 2013 the main proponent will be announced. Then in September BC Hydro is planning on hosting a business open house.
- North Island Hospital project, which will create an estimated 900 direct jobs.
More information can be found on the Campbell River Major Project portal.
Upcoming hiring fairs:
- Cowichan Job Fair 2013 on April 10th from 10am to 3pm. Employers attending include Catalyst Paper, VIHA, Island Savings Credit Union and the Clements Centre Society.
- Alberni Valley Hiring Fair April 10th from 11am to 3pm. Some employers include: Catalyst Paper, Canada Safeway, Western Forest Products, Buy Low Foods, Boston Pizza, Long Beach Lodge Tofino, RBC, BC Corrections, Nurse Next Door, Canadian Armed Forces, Scotiabank and more, plus NIC, VIU & Sprott Shaw College.
- Nanaimo Hiring Fair April 11th, 2013, 1pm to 4pm at the VI Conference Centre. Employers include: VIHA, Island Crisis Care Society, J. Garnons Williams Ltd. Nanaimo Seniors Village, St. Johns Ambulance, We Care Home Health Services, Catalyst Paper, School District 68 Nanaimo – Ladysmith, TD Bank Group, Nordia and more. For more information see the website.
- The Career Centre hiring fair will be May 2, 12pm to 4pm at the Parksville Community Conference Centre. Registered employers include Hosting Nation, Nurse Next Door, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and the Skilled Trades Employment Program.
Other Job Leads:
- Over 37,000 election workers are needed to work on General Voting Day, May 14, 2013, for the upcoming general election in B.C. The work day is long – 14 hours or more. Election workers must be prepared to sit or stand for long periods. The work day begins at 7:00 a.m. with set-up at the voting venue and concludes with the completion of the ballot count at approximately 9:30 p.m. For more information: http://www.elections.bc.ca/index.php/jobs/election-workers-may-2013-general-election/.
- Sandcastle Inn in Parksville has a sign posted for housekeeping positions.