Last year the construction industry was desperate for employees. Who would have guessed that a downturn in this industry would come so suddenly? If you recently took an entry level position in the construction industry you may be looking for work right now. However, if working in construction is your passion, keep networking, maybe take some training, keep following your dream and your determination and motivation will pay off. But what if construction wasn’t your dream job and you took a job in this field because it seemed like that was where the jobs were? Try not to beat yourself up about jumping on a bandwagon that has now gone flat, you got out there, gained some skills and met new people that you may be able to connect with later in your job search.

As much as economists and experts can study the labour market and trends no one has a crystal ball. What’s hot now may not be hot in a couple of years. Now is the time to really look at your passions, values, interests and lifestyle. Follow your dreams and anything can be possible.

As adults we will spend an average of 2000 hours per year working.  In other words we will spend more time working than doing any other waking activity.  To me it just makes sense that it should be something that we are passionate about or at least find satisfying. 

At the Career Centre we have two workshops that can help you to develop your career plan.  Please join us for “Architect your Career” or “Finding the Fit”, or if working one-on-one is your style you can meet with one of the Employment Consultants at The Career Centre.

To register for workshops or to make a one on one appointment with an Employment Consultant to discuss your personal career plans please call (250)248-3205.

With all the stories about the market downturns you may be getting worried about our local economy. The recent blog about Parksville being a great place to start a business and the prospect of the upcoming 2010 Olympics are certainly reassuring. However, it is always important to keep up your skills so you stay employable.

If you’re working at the moment, jump at any opportunity to learn new skills on the job, this includes your soft skills, such as your communication and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re working or not, look outside the box to keep expanding your skill set, such as joining a local Toastmasters organization or joining a professional organization. Lifelong learning is important in our ever changing world. As well, Vancouver Island University offers many continuing studies courses in various fields.

Keep building your network. Volunteering is an excellent way to get to know more people in your community and help out. You may also gain some new qualifications that you can add to your resume.

Stay current. Read newspapers, trade magazines and talk to people in your industry to stay in the know. Speak with an Employment Consultant at The Career Centre to learn how to market yourself and the value you can bring to an organization. You can also find out more about the local labour market and any trends or upcoming projects in our area. The Career Centre also offers a workshop, The Secret to Working in Oceanside, in which you can gain an understanding of the local economy and discover where the work is.

Take control of your destiny by keeping yourself skills and knowledge up-to-date.