This week’s Hot Tip Sheet has labour market notes from The Career Centre hiring fair and more.
Archive for the ‘Employment’ Category
May 6 Hot Tip Sheet
Monday, May 6th, 2013April 15 Hot Tips
Monday, 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
Monday, 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.
Working for B.C. Elections
Monday, February 25th, 2013Over 37,000 election workers are needed to work on General Voting Day, May 14, 2013, for the upcoming general election in B.C. You may be ideal for one of these positions if you enjoy: participating in the democratic process, short-term, temporary work, working with a wide variety of people, and being part of a province-wide team. Election officials have an important role to play in the electoral process. They ensure that voters receive good service and have the opportunity to vote. 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/
Information from the February 6 BC Job Fair in Parksville
Wednesday, February 13th, 2013The “BC Jobs Start Here” Job Fair held in Parksville, Wednesday February 6th provided an opportunity to speak with a variety of employers. The following is information gathered from some of the employers in attendance:
Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers were in attendance and shared information on the construction trade. If you are willing to relocate, there are definitely opportunities. For those thinking about getting into the construction trades, they have information on their website about what is involved in order to get an apprenticeship and some helpful information to workers new to the trade or to the construction industry. There is also information about financial assistance which may be available to help you to enter this trade.
Petrowest provides construction and transportation services in northwest Alberta and northeast BC. Petrowest operates with 5000 employees, nine field locations and nearly 600 pieces of major equipment. Locations include Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, Grande Prairie, Worsley, Valleyview and Fort McMurray.
Petrowest has entry level positions for articulated trucks and compactor operators. Entry level wage is about $20/hr. All entry level positions do require Level 1 First Aid and H2S. The work is mostly in camps and you would be responsible for your travel expenses. The shifts would be at least 10 hours/day but there is some flexibility. If someone has specific experience on a certain piece of equipment, the pay may be as high as $30/hour. For a list of equipment see their website . This company is always looking to hire and keep resumes on file, calling candidates when driving positions come up. Interested applicants can email a resume to Chris at cschilling@petro-west.com.
The recruiter also informed us about a new job listing website for all northern BC and Alberta jobs www.jobspark.ca.
RCMP is recruiting and hosting Career Presentations Monday February 18, and Monday April 15 at 6:00 pm at Vancouver Island University, Building 356, Room 109, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo. For more information call the Victoria Recruiting Office at 1-250-995-7775.
The RCMP also recruits for civilian dispatching positions in Nanaimo and Courtenay and they offer presentations twice a year on these opportunities. For more information call Tammy Brown at 250-754-2345 in Nanaimo and Shawna Gaschler at 250-334-5960 in Courtenay.
The Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 276 was in attendance promoting opportunities in this industry such as creating metal roofs, ceilings, doors and casings. Camosun offers a Certificate in Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation which also includes precision sheet metal competencies for aircraft sheet metal manufacturing. For more information on the sheet metal industry you can go to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) website www.itabc.ca
Sprott Shaw College has positions available for Employment Services Specialists and Instructors at campuses throughout BC. Check their out website for more information on available positions.
Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre is hiring for a variety of positions in the resort:
o Full-Time Positions (32-40 hours a week): Front Office Supervisor, Front Desk Agent, Housekeeping Supervisor, Room Attendants and Massage Providers
o Part-Time (16-30 hours per week): Room Attendants and Massage Providers
o Seasonal Full time for 2 weeks: Recreation Leader, Spring Break coverage (March 15-April 1)
Attending an Information Session at the Career Centre is a great start to assist you in your job search. For dates and times of the sessions and information other workshops, check out our Newsletter.
Notes from the Nanaimo Job Fair
Monday, February 4th, 2013The January 31, 2013 Job Fair at Brooks Landing Mall in Nanaimo was heavily attended by local job seekers. For those who didn’t attend or were not able to leave applications we gathered the following information provided by two of the employers that attended: the City of Nanaimo and BC Ferries.
The City of Nanaimo was accepting applications for Custodian and entry level Public Works the casual/temporary positions. For more information regarding employment with the City of Nanaimo you can visit their website.
Custodian:
The City of Nanaimo has an entry level position open for a Custodian, this position pays $24.69 to $25.00 per hours as of Jan. 2013. They were seeking candidates with grade 12 plus successful completion of the Building Service Maintenance Course, (BSW). The BSW is a 3 level program; however the City only requires level 1 for this position. For more information on the courses you can contact Brent Bourne, the instructor, at 250-920-9619. In addition to the BSW, the ideal candidate will also have 6 months’ related experience.
Entry Level Opportunity – Public Works:
This entry level opportunity pays $22.79 – $23.99 per hour as of Jan. 2013. They are looking for a candidate with Grade 12 or equivalent and a minimum of three months related experience. Candidates must also possess a valid class 5 driver’s license with Air, (although a class 3 or 1 with air is preferred). In addition, the Environmental Operators Certification Program is an asset. For more information on training see the following websites. www.bcwwa.org, www.eocp.org, www.owp.csus.edu.
BC Ferries is preparing for their seasonal hiring and has positions in the following areas. Seasonal hires will receive a BC Ferries Travel pass during the term of their employment. For more information about qualifications visit: www.bcferries.com. Resumes can be sent via email to hr@bcferries.com or via fax to the appropriate location: Horseshore Bay and Langdale at 604-921-7433, Tsawwassen at 604-943-6539, Swartz Bay and Salt Spring Island at 250-656-5817, Departure Bay at 250-716-7138 or Little River at 250-339-5427. Or to apply online the application can be found at www.bcferries.com.
Third Cooks: Seasonal on-call, as of April 1, 2013 from $27.51 per hour. Candidates must have a minimum of Level 1 Cook’s certification. Candidates must be a minimum of age 18 to work onboard the vessels. Food Safe, Serving it Right, or Superhost Certificate would be an asset. Preference may be shown to applicants holding a trade qualification.
Foot Passenger Ticket Agents: Seasonal on-call, as of April 1, 2013 from $21.02 per hour. Candidates must be a minimum of age 16 to work on the terminal. Preference may be shown to applicants with substantial previous cash handling and customer service experience.
Terminal Attendant: Seasonal on-call, as of April 1, 2013 from $21.43 per hour. Candidates must be a minimum 16 years of age to work on the terminal.
Warehouse Stockperson: (Victoria and Nanaimo) Seasonal on-call, as of April 1, 2013 from $22.30 per hour. Candidates must be a minimum of 16 years of age to work in a shore-based position. Food Safe, Forklift experience and occupational First Aid certifications would be an Asset.
Deckhands: Seasonal on-call, as of April 1, 2013 from $22.30 per hour. Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to work onboard the vessels. Candidates must hold Marine Emergency Duty certifications (STCW Basic Safety and Survival Craft) and must obtain a valid Seafarer’s Medical certificate. Preference may be shown to applicants with a Transport Canada Bridge Watchman certificate.
Engine Room Assistants: In addition to the Casual on-call positions, BC Ferries are looking for regular full-time candidates for the position of Engine Room Assistants for the Sunshine Coast, Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox and the North Islands. Employees are eligible for Health, Welfare and pension benefits in accordance with the Collective Agreement. Candidates will hold marine Emergency Duty certifications (STCW Basic Safety and Survival Craft). Completion of ELTT, (Entry Level Trades Training) in diesel Mechanics, a Transport Canada Engine Room certificate, or a Transport Canada Fourth Class Motor certificate is required.
Canadian Forces Information Session at The Career Centre
Monday, January 28th, 2013The Canadian Forces will be at The Career Centre Tuesday February 5th from 1pm to 3pm for an Open House Information Session. Following is information they have provided to us on the opportunities in the Forces:
The Canadian Forces is a Federal government organization that consists of professional individuals dedicated to the protection of Canadian national values.
The CF is an equal opportunity employer, offering over 100 full time positions to choose from. We have three distinct uniforms or elements within the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Airforce and the Army. There are several basic entry plans which can be grouped in three broad catagories; Non-Commissioned Member, Officer plans and subsidized education plans at both college and university level.
In the Canadian Forces we try to match your interests and aptitudes with job vacancies and the needs of the Canadian Forces. We have a competitive selection process which generally takes 3-6 months to complete. We offer a competitive benefits package which includes a pension plan, medical and dental benefits and 4 wks of holidays each year.
The Canadian Forces is a unique work environment. It can be a career of a lifetime, if you are up to the challenge.
Update on the Vancouver Island Resource Sector
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012The State of the Island Economic Summit on October 15th and 16th, put on by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance had some interesting information on the resource sector on Vancouver Island.
In the breakout session – Island Resources – The Road Ahead, the following sectors had presentations:
Agriculture (Industry as a whole)
There are $1.4 billion of products consumed each year on the Island which contributes $112 million in economic development. Four thousand people are employed in agriculture on the Island. The greatest area of growth is in the wineries and organic farms. There are issues with labour as many people are retiring from this industry and there is not a great interest from younger workers.
Salmon Farming – Marine Harvest Canada
Marine Harvest Canada has 32 sea farms, 5 hatcheries and 2 processing plants with revenues of $235 million per year. Their 420 employees produced 40,000 metric tonnes in 2012. The industry is growing 5 to 7 % each year. They are going to taper off the harvest in 2013 but will be building new boats.
Shellfish Farming – Shellfish Growers Association
Regarded as one of the best managed and sustainable food industries in Canada, shellfish farming employs 1000 workers and generates $38 million/year. The industry is working on expanding the markets and product marketing. Hatchery technicians are needed as well as marine service providers (boats, maintenance, etc)
Fishing Industry – BC Commercial Fishing Caucus
This industry employs 10,000 people in 32 communities on Vancouver Island. In 2012 the catch was 170,000 metric tonnes with a wholesale value of $845 million. The top 5 markets for export are USA, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Russian Foundation. The industry requires vessel services such as fuel and maintenance, distribution services, development of value-added products, and the supply and servicing of electronic equipment.
BC Hydro – John Hart Dam Project – Stephen Watson – BC Hydro, Community and Regional Land Use Planning
The John Hart Dam wood-stave pipeline and generating station are at the end of life after 65 years. There are seismic issues and environmental risks with the facility. The environmental assessment has been done and they hope to have the final decision to proceed by February, 2013. The project will begin in the summer of 2013 and provide 400 jobs per year for 5 years.
BC Hydro is rebuilding the Buckley Bay Substation beginning in January, 2013 at a cost of $28 million and will be rebuilding the Long Beach substation in the fall of 2013 as a cost of $10 million.
Catalyst Paper - Lyn Brown
Catalyst is the leading manufacturer of specialty paper west of the Mississippi. Catalyst produces 15 million metric tonnes of paper/year and employs 1600 people in BC and provides 5400 indirect jobs. They have a $2 billion impact on the BC economy. They have hired 120 employees in the last 18 months and have begun selling electricity and transportation. They are currently looking for co-locators for their properties and are always looking for providers of fuel, fibre, and freight services.
Harmac Pacific – Levi Sampson – President, Harmac Pacific
Harmac Pacific is an employee-owned company that produces 350,000 metric tonnes of pulp/year. They employ 300 people and have their own deep-sea dock. They have a 25 mega-watt turbine generator project up and running that will provide a steady income for the mill. They are constantly looking for other revenue streams and are engaged in succession planning for their aging workforce.
Neucel Specialty Cellulose – Louise Nichol, HR Manager
Neucel is owned by Fulide Holdings of China and produces 200,000 tonnes of specialty wood pulp annually. Products made from this pulp include: synthetic fibres, plastic materials, lacquer, explosives, suit linings, dress wear, furniture, sponges, and rayon.
They employ 420 workers who are mostly from the North Island. They are focused on skilled trade development and took on 15 new apprentices last year and will soon be looking for another 11 new ones.
They are looking for new sources of fibre and are looking at utilizing salvage as a fibre source. They need skilled trade persons and professionals in addition to suppliers of oil, chemicals and maintenance materials.
Raven Coal – Jim Defer, CFO – Compliance Energy Corporation
Located at Buckley Bay, this project has been undergoing environmental assessment since 2009 and to date 30,000 person hours and $5 million has been spent on the environmental process.
Once started the project will create 350 full-time jobs and provide $1.1 billion for the local economy. The mine construction will cost $173 million plus $35 million/year for mine operation. Port Alberni will benefit from $69 million in construction for port development and $1.8 million in payroll/year.
Services that will be required for this project are: Equipment suppliers, concrete supplies, carpentry supplies, fuel, office supplies, meals and accommodations during construction, 50 drivers will be needed (contracted out), longshoremen for Port Alberni, maintenance trades, safety/training staff, and clerical staff.
Recap of the Nanaimo “BC Jobs Start Here” Job Fair
Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012The “BC Jobs Start Here” Job Fair in held in Nanaimo Friday September 28th provided an opportunity to speak with a variety of employers. Following is information gathered from some of the employers in attendance:
Ainsworth a company that manufactures engineered wood products, offers a range of opportunities, from their head office in Vancouver to regional sales and marketing, to positions in their manufacturing facilities in 100 Mile House BC, Grand Prairie, Alberta and Barwick Ontario.
Catalyst is hiring for a variety of trades positions at their Crofton, Powell River and Port Alberni Mills. More information on Catalyst Paper and job postings can be found on their website.
Devon Canada, based in Calgary with operations throughout northern Alberta and BC currently employs approximately 2000 people. Over the next few years Devon is recruiting approximately 1000 more people to meet growing production needs. Applicants should have some oil and gas experience or trades experience in another industry. These are camp positions with fly in and out from Vancouver.
Houle Electric is currently hiring for an Electrical Project Manager/Estimator – Construction in Nanaimo. Houle Electric hires all apprentices through the IBEW Union office.
J.W. Research Ltd. Is looking for Sales Representatives to promote loyalty-based credit cards at Canadian Tire and Superstore. Hourly rate is $14 to $16 per hour. Check out the website at for more details.
London Drugs was onsite taking resumes and speaking with applicants.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort is hiring for the season. Drop in HR Friday’s have started once again in preparation of the upcoming winter season. Each Friday a member of the Human Resources team is available from 1pm until 3pm to discuss employment options and career paths available at Mount Washington. Once you arrive at Mount Washington please ask for a member of the HR team at any of the outlets in the Main Lodge. For more information on current postings check out their website.
RCMP is recruiting and hosting a Career Presentation Date on Monday October 15th at 6:00pm in Nanaimo at Vancouver Island University, Building 356, room 109, 900 Fifth Street. More information on the RCMP and careers is available on their website.
V.I. Fitness for Women is opening a new facility in Nanaimo and is looking for enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable Personal Trainers for full and part-time positions.
Attending an Information Session at the Career Centre is a great start to assist you in your job search. For dates and times of the sessions and information other workshops, check out our Newsletter.
Volunteer Your Way to a Job
Monday, September 24th, 2012Why volunteer? There are so many reasons why people volunteer – from the intrinsic value of helping another person – to the opportunity to gain more skills and experience. At The Career Centre, we encourage job seekers to volunteer as it can benefit them in various ways, such as:
- Maintaining a sense of worth and accomplishment while job searching
- Increasing opportunities to explore and learn about various types of jobs
- Gaining more work experience and skills that can be included on a resume
- Meeting new people and increasing their network
- Demonstrating to employers that they are motivated and value their community
Ready to volunteer? The following are just a few ideas:
SOS has numerous volunteer opportunities: Child & Youth programs, Christmas program, drivers for medical appointments and Meals-On-Wheels, Thrift Shop cashiers & pricers, and much more. On Tuesday October 2 the SOS will be hosting a volunteer fair from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, at the SOS Child Youth and Family Centre, 245 West Hirst Ave, Parksville. RSVP please, or for more information contact Andy Telfer, 250-248-2093 ext. 230.
The Canadian Cancer Society offers a multitude of exciting opportunities. Their volunteer opportunities are exceptional in their variety, impact and structure. There are opportunities to be involved at every level. Volunteers can begin as casual volunteers, event-day volunteers and assistants and develop their skills from there, or step straight into a position as a lead in a campaign, program area or short term project. They also offer a free Workforce Leadership Program, open to all volunteers and staff, with modules on Collaboration, Conflict Resolution and more. To become involved, please apply online at www.cancervolunteer.ca and you will be contacted by the Vancouver Island Regional Coordinator of Volunteer Engagement, Anna Glenny, who will discuss our programs and campaigns with you further and begin to assess which positions might work for you. Anna also loves to hear directly from any community members at aglenny@bc.cancer.ca or 1 800 663 7892 ext. 226.
The Oceanside Volunteer Association has opportunities listed on their website.
Consider an appoinment with an Employment Consultant at The Career Centre to further explore your interests and volunteer opportunities.