Interested in the University Courses offered at the Parksville/Qualicum Vancouver Island University Campus? Drop in at the Parksville/Qualicum Campus located in the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre, 100 Jensen Street, on Wednesday December 9th from 2:00-4:00pm and meet professors in the Liberal Studies and Psychology Departments.
Last Thursday’s  Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council awards honoured many of the innovative businesses in our area, including:
Randy Holmquist, Canadian Electric Vechicles, Errington – WINNER Leadership in Technology Award
Lightspeed Kayaks, Qualicum Beach - WINNER Advanced Manufacturing Award
Detailed Design Drafting Services Ltd., Parksville - FINALIST Engineering Award
Duckett Truffieres, Parksville – WINNER Food and Beverage Award
Ktrak Cycle Corp, Qualicum Beach – FINALIST Excellence in Innovation Award
Odyssey Shellfish Ltd., Bowser – WINNER Aquaculture – Shellfish Award
Byres Security Inc., Lantzville – WINNER Software Development Award
Many of these businesses are part of the “hidden” job market in the sense they are tucked away and don’t have street front locations. However, some of them may be potential employers. If you are interested in the field of science and technology it may be beneficial to contact employers connected with MISTIC to set up information interviews. The Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) acts as the ‘first point of contact’ for small and medium-sized enterprises, entrepreneurs, students, business persons and researchers seeking information related to knowledge sector industries. The MISTC website has a business directory where you can search businesses by sector or region.
To learn more about informational interviews and how to set them up attend the Career Centre workshop “The Secret to Working in Oceanside.” Wednesday November 18th.
A recent Accountemps survey indicates that interpersonal skills can trump technical knowledge in a job search. We have been hearing this over and over again from employers. “We can teach them the job” said one local employer “but if they don’t bring a positive attitude to the table we can’t work with them”.
A recent article, “Soft skills” give job hunters an edge”, in the Victoria Times Colonist, also emphasizes that having good communication skills can give you an edge in your job search. “Among the skills in greatest demand is the ability to self-manage effectively, in combination with effective interpersonal skills.”
On Wednesday November 18th the Career Centre will be presenting a workshop, “On the Job: How to Create and Maintain Success”, where you can gain some strategies to ensure your interpersonal skills aren’t getting in the way of your dreams. Call the Career Centre at 250-248-3205 to register.
The Provincial Government has launched a new Workplace Training for Innovation Pilot Program to provide eligible employers with funding for employee training in order to:
•Improve productivity
•Support the introduction of new technology, machinery/equipment or work processes
•Enhance international competitiveness
•Introduce innovative training and workplace strategies to increase the long term competiveness of the organization and its workforce.
To find out if your organization is eligible and to learn more about the application procedures check out the details on the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development website.