Archive for August, 2009

New Program Benefits Seasonal Workers

Monday, August 31st, 2009

A new program to link seasonal workers and employers in BC has recently been launched. Called 365jobs, the program “will help workers rotate between summer and winter jobs, assisting them in moving from seasonal to long-term jobs”. The press release on the website indicates that 365jobs will provide a recruitment and placement service for employers and jobseekers.

In order to register with 365jobs you must be:

- An unemployed individual who is determined to be non-EI eligible; or
- An employed individual who considers themselves to be “under-employed”, and may not have a high school diploma or recognized certification.

For more information check out the website www.365jobs.ca

Posted in Employment, Seasonal Employment, Tourism | No Comments »

Creating Your Own Employment

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Did you know that between 2003 and 2008 self employment in the Vancouver Island and Coastal Region increased by 11.1%? BC Check-Up, a recent report published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC, indicates that “the Vancouver Island Region, along with the Thompson-Okanagan and Kootenay Development Regions, were the only areas that experienced [business establishment] growth in 2008.” The British Columbia Small Business Profile 2008 reports that “there were 425,300 self-employed workers in BC in 2007″ and “small business in BC accounted for a full third of the province’s Gross Domestic Product in 2007″.

Is self employment for you? Find out at the Career Centre workshop, Creating Your Own Employment, on Friday September 4, 9am to noon. This workshop will review the different types of self-employment and will provide a list of resources. Guest speakers will share their successes and hurdles on their road to self employment. Contact the Career Centre at 250-248-3205 for more information on how to register.

Posted in Self employment | No Comments »

Shift Happens

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Shift happens is the theme of the recently published, Summer 2009, Coastal Chronicles. This mid-Island focused publication provides an overview of the region’s current economy and the changes in the labour market. The recent downturn in the economy is evident in our area, however, with any change there is also opportunity. In this issue of the Coastal Chronicles each community takes a closer look at the hard hit industries as well as the industries and employers in their area that are holding their own and perhaps even thriving in these uncertain times.

Posted in Labour Market | No Comments »

Construction on the Rise in Nanaimo

Friday, August 14th, 2009

A recent article in the Wednesday August 12 Nanaimo Daily News indicates Nanaimo leads the Island new home construction. “While most other cities have seen new construction fall off since the recession hit last fall, Nanaimo is one of three B.C. cities where construction has been almost unaffected since the recession.”  The majority of the construction seems to be in multi-family dwellings.

Posted in Construction, Employment | No Comments »

Province and Island Trust Partner to Create Employment

Friday, August 14th, 2009

The Province is partnering with the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) to create employment and diversify the economy on the North Island and Sunshine Coast through the Job Opportunities Program administered by the Community Development Trust. ICET has allocated up to $2 million in funding for the development of trails in the North Island and Sunshine Coast regions. Applicants must qualify as “eligible unemployed resource workers”, complete details can be found on the Community Development Trust website. The first project funded under the partnership is being coordinated by Strategic Forest Management, information on how to apply to work on this project is on their website. The work will involve improving the historic trail network in the Snowden Demonstration Forest near Campbell River. Workers on the Snowden Demonstration Forest will spend up to six months replacing stream crossings, falling danger trees, building information kiosks, improving existing trails and new trail development, building new picnic tables and adding washroom facilities.

Posted in Employment, Forestry | No Comments »

Fall/Winter VIU Continuing Studies

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Check out Vancouver Island University’s fall/winter continuing studies calendar online. Some courses that might be useful in your job search are Food Safe, Cashier Training, Computer training, First Aid and various certificate programs.

Posted in Training | No Comments »

New Skilled Trades Employment Program

Friday, August 14th, 2009

BC Construction Association has recently introduced a new Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) on Vancouver Island. The program is geared towards helping employers in BC get the skilled workers they need by matching them up with people who have some experience or who want to start a career in the trades. STEP is open to people who do not have an Employment Insurance attachment or those that are employed in a low skilled position and lack certification, a high school diploma or essential skills.  Trades Employment Specialists will assess a person’s employment potential, suggest training options, coordinate work placements and provide ongoing support for both workers and employers. If you are interested in learning more or participating in this program contact Stephen Garnett  Stephen@bccassn.com (250) 739-1679 the Trades Employment Specialist for Mid-Island.

Posted in Construction, Trades, Training | 1 Comment »