Dentistry is thriving in Parksville/Qualicum.  The area has 18 dentists in general practice, 17 hygienists, 30 dental assistants, and 18 office staff actively working.

Where the shortage shows up in Parksville/Qualicum is with hygienists.  Dr. Kevin Doyle Inc.  is looking for a hygienist and Qualicum Beach Dental is functioning with 8 assistants and no hygienist right now but would consider hiring if a person was the right fit for their office. Dental hygienists are specially trained health care professionals who help prevent oral health problems and promote good oral hygiene.  Hygienists begin an appointment by assessing the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums looking for tooth decay and gum disease.  A small mirror and probe are used to check for indicators of trouble. This process requires a steady hand and a careful eye.

Hygienists may also take x-rays of patient’s teeth to reveal tooth decay that cannot be seen by a visual inspection, and any dental problems that may exist below the gums.  Following the inspection the hygienist will discuss any oral health problems that were found with the patient and give instructions on proper dental care techniques and habits that will prevent further problems.  Next the hygienist cleans the patient’s teeth, which usually involves a procedure called scaling in which teeth are scraped with a sharp flat-bladed instrument to remove hard material built up on the teeth.  The hygienist then polishes the teeth to remove stains and to smooth the surface of the teeth.

Other preventative procedures that the hygienist frequently performs include fluoride treatments and the application of sealant to patient’s teeth. In addition to all the technical skills outlined it is important for potential hygienists to know that the position requires constant and close contact with people throughout the day.  Hygienists require above average communication skills to teach clients and to comfort nervous patients and make the dental office a more agreeable experience.

Camosun College, College of New Caledonia, College of the Fraser Valley, Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene, Vancouver Community College and Vancouver Island University Malaspina campus in Nanaimo all have Diploma programs for Dental Hygiene.  University of British Columbia has a Dental Hygiene degree program and a degree completion option.

Dental Hygienists have the option of having very flexible careers.  They can work full-time or part-time quite easily for dental offices, hospitals, and long term care facilities.  Those who have advanced training can find work teaching, doing research and in some cases work in their own private clinics. British Columbia was first, followed by Alberta and now Ontario in allowing hygienists to open private clinics.  

Carmelina Buksa, who has a Bachelor of Science in Dentistry from the University of Toronto, opened Rootine Dental Hygiene Clinic in Parksville three years ago.  When asked why she wanted to open her own clinic instead of working in a dental office she said “It allows me to be the best practitioner I can be.” Carmelina enjoys the flexibility of setting her own hours and is clear that she didn’t open the clinic for the money. She is passionate as she talks about helping her patients.  Carmelina is able to keep her fees low, spend time teaching and customize cleaning plans for each individual. Rootine Dental Hygiene Clinic, which accepts dental insurance, is located at #105-198 East Island Highway in Parksville.  They are accepting new patients and welcome children to their “drill free” office. If Carmelina’s skills are anywhere close to her enthusiasm then Parksville smiles will sparkle.

In response to the serious downturn in the forest industry in BC, the Provincial Government has rolled out a funding program designed to help forestry workers. In addition to funding support for those choosing early retirement and for job creation, there is also a tuition assistance fund. “Premier Gordon Campbell announced details of three new programs to support forest workers and communities coping with the challenges of a changing industry…We’re working with forest companies, labour and communities to ensure that B.C.’s forest sector receives effective, timely assistance to deal with the impact of market volatility and cyclical change,” Campbell said.” http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/pscripts/pab/newsrel/mofnews.asp?refnum=2008OTP0118-000&searchtext= 

A qualified worker in the forest industry may receive $5000 towards tuition to retrain. This is great news. But before you run out and sign up for that training you have been dreaming of, you may want to research your options. You could end up sitting next to someone who has received a lot more money to help with training costs. Or you might meet someone who is going to a training course that sounds much more interesting than the one you have chosen. 

While $5000 dollars sounds like a big chunk of change, it only goes so far when returning to school. It is very helpful in covering tuition costs for some programs but not for all. And, what about books, transportation and living expenses? If you have that all covered, great! But, if finances are tight, read on. Depending on which school and training program you choose, you could pay as much as $10,000 for tuition, books and supplies, even before you tack on living expenses. 

In addition to the Forest Worker Assistance funds, there are other sources of funding that may help you to return to school. You may be eligible to receive EI while you are going to school or you might be able to use Training Support Program funds to help you with training and living costs. Student loans are also a flexible option that might fit for you. Make sure you find out about this before you sign up for training because, once you start your training, you may no longer have access to these funds. 

The really good news is that at The Career Centre, our professional employment consultants can help you navigate these waters and create a plan that works for you. You can take the time to research your options and create a good plan. Call, or drop in to make an appointment to see an employment consultant and start your return-to-work action plan today. You can also go on-line to find out more about this funding: 

http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/cdt/ 

You have questions…we have answers Want to explore career options in the BC Public Service, but aren’t sure where to start?  Just call our toll-free line at  1-888-94-IDEAS (1-888-944-3327) and one of our Career Advisors will be happy to help. 

Our Career Advisors are here to answer your phone inquiries, addressing questions about such things as: 

• Career streams in the BC Public Service
• How to apply for positions
• What happens during the hiring process  

Get connected
With more than 100 different career streams in the 280 communities, the BC Public Service has a variety of opportunities available with a diverse range of skill sets. If your qualifications and skill set match those outlined for a particular position, we can help you connect with ministry contacts who can provide more information about specific job streams, and who are knowledgeable about current and future hiring needs in these areas. Call us to find out what it’s like to work with us, what opportunities maybe just around the corner and how you can build a satisfying future in the BC Public Service.
1-888-94-IDEAS (1-888-944-3327)
Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, PST.  

A new work exchange pilot program for Aboriginal high school students offers a unique opportunity to explore careers in the social services field. The Aboriginal Youth Work Xchange Program is a two-week paid summer work opportunity, open to Grade 11 and 12 Aboriginal students from throughout the province. Successful candidates will work with a ministry employee in a Ministry of Children and Family Development office in their community, and learn about career options in the social services field.

As part of the learning opportunity, students will create a cultural exchange experience for their Xchange partner. Exchange possibilities include introducing their partner to Chiefs, Council Members, Elders, or other Aboriginal community members, sharing traditional language, dance, art, or other cultural demonstration, sharing traditional foods, story telling, and explanation of traditional territory. For additional ideas on Xchange cultural events click here.

 The Work Xchange Program will run from July 7 until July 18, 2008 and will count towards the 30 hours of work experience required for graduation under the Graduation Transitions Program. 

 Application forms and instructions are available at www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/about_us/xchange.htm. Deadline for submission of applications is May 23. Successful applicants will be notified by June 20.

Officials with the government claim through this and other programs, the Province is working with Aboriginal communities to close the socio-economic gaps that separate them from other British Columbians.

What’s your netrep?  Here’s a neat little short film which shows how your “presence” on the web can be picked up by potential employers…  Check it out on Youtube

The labour market is ever changing.  Careers, occupations and businesses that didn’t even exist at one point continue to grow and shift as trends change and people seek different services.  

Spas are catering to increasing numbers of men seeking, relaxation, pampering and rejuvenation.  It seems they have discovered joys of spa life that women have known about for years! 

It is estimated that approximately 29% of spa-goers are men, with those numbers climbing.   In addition to scalp rubs, men are also turning to body wraps, detoxifying facials with shoulder massages, athletic pedicures and hot stone massages. 

According to Spafinder travel agents named spa facilities/access to a spa as their clients’ most important consideration when making their vacation plans in 2006 – ahead of proximity to a beach, sightseeing, shopping,  nature-based activities, golf facilities and skiing.

So, if you’re considering the possibility of a career change, come meet with an employment consultant to discover some evolving trends, along with your interests, skills and abilities.
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Terasen Gas got final approval from the BC Utilities Commission to begin construction of the Mt. Hayes Natural Gas storage facility, which will be located approximately 6 KM Northwest of Ladysmith. 

The facility will create substantial mid-Island economic and employment benefits, including:

•  local construction expenditures - $50 million
•  local, direct employment - approximately  120  person years        
•  nine full-time operations jobs at the facility
•  opportunities for involvement of Chemainus First Nation  people and businesses in the project

The company has been developing this project since 2004. In November 2007, Terasen Gas received conditional approval from the BCUC, of which the requirements have been met. Construction will begin this month with the facility coming into service by late 2011.

For more information log on to Terason Gas

Here is a terrific opportunity to find out if working as a paramedic would be a suitable career for you.  Any of our Employment Consultants at the Career Centre, will recommend researching career choices carefully and getting all the information to make a good choice.  Well here is a chance to find out what it is like to work in Emergency Medical Services.  To discuss your career research with one of our Employment Consultants call us at 248-3205 to book an appointment.

Emergency Medical Services Information Session at Malaspina

Have you ever considered a career in the exciting, fast paced life of Emergency Services? Learn about the Emergency Medical Responder and Primary Care Paramedic programs. Obtain updated labour market information from the BC Ambulance services representatives and what it takes to become a Paramedic in BC. Program instructors and former students will be on hand  at Malaspina to provide career and training information.
Thursday, April 3; 6-8:00pm for more information and to register click on the following link for Malaspina

Picture this: a job working in “The Island’s Shopping Mecca” surrounded by displays of your favourite products. Over 5.5 million square feet of retail and service space has earned Nanaimo this informal distinction. Woodgrove Centre, a short commute from Parksville, is the largest mall on Vancouver Island. Career opportunities in this exciting sector flourish in Central Vancouver Island. Many positions are not advertised; employers welcome in-person applications.  Generally, the work is carried out in a safe and clean environment and employment is year-round. Many companies offer employee discounts and excellent on the job training programs. People are hired for all levels of responsibility, from entry-level to management. Wages have risen recently due to labour market conditions.

According to Retail BC, the voice of over 3,000 retail companies in BC, the retail industry generated over $50 billion in sales last year and employed over 250,000 British Columbians. More than $1 billion in retail trade was earned in Nanaimo. Parksville, Qualicum Beach and district also offer a myriad of shopping experiences, thus, job opportunities.

From the Career Centre website, click on “Job Search” then under “Links” click on “Retail” to be led to a number of local retail websites. Contact Career Centre staff for more information such as “A Day in the Life of a Retail Worker.” Additional facts can be found at the following websites:

www.businessbythebeach.com
www.tourismnanaimo.com
www.retailbc.org