Career and Job Search Help Blog

Your Home Away from Home, Consider a Camp Job!

A work camp is a housing/living accommodation that employers provide to their workers, so this isn't like the "summer camp " working with kids type of job. Most of the time it is shift type of work, where a worker could work for say two weeks and be off for one, or work three weeks and be off for two, and other shift arrangements. These types of jobs are often from the following sectors:

• Tradespeople
• Labourers
• Heavy Equipment Operators

One of the most popular locations for work camps is Alberta, but they are available in other provinces too. According to the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce there is quite a labour shortage there, this is actually a problem which other Canadian Regions face as well. There was a report done by the Government of Alberta in 2011 called Alberta's Occupational Demand and Supply Outlook which predicts that over the next decade Alberta could experience a labour shortage of up to 114,000 workers. Alberta contains oil sands where the dirt actually contains oil which is extracted from it. Just looking at the dirt you would think it just looks like topsoil, but when you add it to hot water, you can see that the oil and water separate - the sand and water will drop to the bottom and the oil stays at the top. Back in 2006, CBS' 60 minutes did a segment about Fort McMurray's Oil Sands. 

 

                       

CBS 60 Minutes Alberta Oil Sands Clip

 

Often, the employer pays for your flights and you don't have to worry about paying for food because it is provided. Some camps have amenities such as coffee shops, workout facilities, satellite television, wifi - every camp is different. A small camp can have as little as 30 people a big one can have as many as 2500 people.

The camp job is not for everyone, the loccations tend to be very remote which can be hard for some people to adjust. Also, it can take a toll on your family life - you're away from them for long periods of time and you spend a lot of time travelling. My partner once had a camp job up in Yellowknife working as a mechanic on their Ice Road, he enjoyed it financially but he said that after awhile he just felt like cattle being herded in the airport. This is not to discourage you from getting a job like this, they are just things to consider, every job has its pros and cons.

Below are some resources which may help you with searching for a camp accomadation job, you can check out their websites:

• PTI Group
• Compass Group (ESS Support Services) 
• Fort McMurray Employer Websites (the websites are organized by Occupation)

 

Upcoming Job Fairs in 2013

Newsflash! Lots of job fairs are appearing on the horizon. Good to see what's out there in the job market.

On February 26, 2013, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Mississauga Career Fair & Conference will take place. The brainchild of Sheridan College and TorontoJobs.ca, it is one of the most comprehensive recruitment events in the Greater Toronto Area. Represented are some of the top employers in the GTA and they have 100’s of different job openings. Admission to this job fair is free but you can pay $30 to hear the variety of speakers that they have lined up.

The City Career Expo at Scarborough Town Centre is Ontario’s largest FREE public event showcasing the most sought-after employers, schools and skills training services directly inside one of Canada’s busiest shopping centers. Employers will be represented on March 20 – 21, 2013, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Universities & Colleges will be represented on March 22 – 24, 2013, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

HireCanada.ca is also hosting a job fair on March 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Mississauga Convention Centre. With many on site Recruiters, free Resume Critiquing, Career Specialists  and Admissions Staff to assist you. FREE admission and open to the general public

Employment Resource Centres in Toronto

It's always been there for me - if I needed to find a legal clinic, look for a Registered Massage Therapist, or more recently, look for some employment resource centres. 211Toronto.ca is a directory of over 20,000 community, social, health and government services. I did a search for employment centres and was presented with a list of 27 centres from across the city - from Scarborough North to Etobicoke South.

CultureLink Free 5-Day Job Search Workshop for Newcomers, Fall 2012

There are two upcoming 5-day job search workshops, one in October and another in November 2012.

A career counselor will help newcomers who are Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, or Live-In Caregivers with developing a professional resume, cover letters, job interview techniques, how to market your skills effectively, Canadian labour market information, networking/hidden job market, understanding work place culture, and other job search tools.

When: October 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26, 2012

           November 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30, 2012

Where: North York Central Library, Room 2/3

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Call 416-395-5613 to register

Need Help Starting your Own Business? Come to a Business Inc. Course Orientation for more info!

 

Starting a business is both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Whether you intend on starting a business within the next six months, or would like to accelerate the growth of an early-stage business, Business Inc. could be just what you need to boost your plans.

There will be 3 locations offering the program, enrolment is limited to 20 participants per location (60 participants total). Applications are available online as well as at the branches where the program is being offered, they are due by Friday, September 28, 2012. The applications will be reviewed for: attendance at the orientation session, opportunity for business growth and a potentially viable business idea.

All branches participating will be having Business Inc. Orientation Sessions about a month prior to the start of the actual program, where you can find out more information. You can register for the Orientation sessions either online, via email (businc@tbdc.com), or telephone (416)-345-9437. I'll provide the links as well as program dates and details below:

North York Central Library Branch - Mondays, October 15 to December 10, 2012. 6:30 - 9:30pm. North York Central Library Online Orientation Registration

Cederbrae Branch - Tuesdays, October 16 to December 11, 2012. 6:30 - 9:30pm. Cederbrae Library Online Orientation Registration

York Woods Branch - Wednesdays, October 17 to December 12, 2012. 6:30 - 9:30pm. York Woods Library Online Orientation Registration

Business Inc. is a 9 week business program offered at Toronto Public Library in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Development Centre which is an independent non profit, non government organization dedicated to nurturing the growth of new and emerging businesses. Upon completion of the program you will receive a Business Seminar Series Certificate of Completion and you'll be eligible to apply for a small business loan ranging from $5,000 - $30,000.

Each week different business modules are covered:

• Week 1 - Taking the leap to entrepreneurship
• Week 2 - Market research for your business
• Week 3 - Resources for researching your business
• Week 4 - Developing a powerful marketing strategy
• Week 5 - Launching your business online
• Week 6 - Creating an operating framework for success
• Week 7 - Building blocks for financial management
• Week 8 - Financing for business growth
• Week 9 - Making your pitch

The program costs $100 + HST per participant ($113), the value of the program is actually $700 - this program is generously supported by the Toronto Public Library Foundation. During the program you will have the opportunity to: prepare/update your business plan, access a business advisor and network with other entrepreneurs.

If Business Inc. isn't what you're looking for don't forget this October is Small Business Month at Toronto Public Library. There are free small business programs happening at libraries all across Toronto in the fall.

Market Research & Launching Your Business Online

 

Being a small business owner can be tough these days. Often one of the hardest parts about opening a small business is conducting market research. Market research should always be done both prior to opening a business and while your business is running to stay abreast with current industry trends. Some of the questions people may ask themselves before opening a small business are:

• How feasible is your business idea?
• How do you know what your customers want?
• Who will your customers be, how do you get them to remain loyal?
• How much risk is involved?

You are basically trying to predict the future - which is not an easy task. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Some companies pay thousands of dollars to conduct market research. However, you can do your own research - at the library of course!

                                     http://tomfishburne.com/2009/01/glass-half-full.html

You are basically trying to predict the future - which is not an easy task. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Some companies pay thousands of dollars to conduct market research. However, you can do your own research - at the library of course!

On Tuesday June 26 from 6:30 - 8:30 the Business department at North York Central Library is hosting a seminar Small Business Success: Market Research & Launching Your Business Online . We'll teach you how to use some of our databases and other online/library resources to conduct effective market research. You can call the Business Department at 416-395-5613. Hope to see you there!

 

CultureLink Free 5-day Job Search Workshop for Newcomers

A career counselor from CultureLink will help newcomers who are Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, or Live-In Caregivers with developing a professional resume, cover letters, job interview techniques, how to market your skills effectively, Canadian labour market information, networking/hidden job market, understanding work place culture, and other job search tools.

When: June 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2012

Where: North York Central Library, Room 2/3

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Call 416-395-5613 to register.

What should I do NEXT? Take a Gap year, an apprenticeship, budget perhaps...

 

So, you may be wondering - what do all these things have in common? Well, for one thing they are all things that many young people consider with regards to their career choices,  but they are also part of North York Central Library's Business department's Generation Next Series of free educational programs.

Generation Next refers to a demographic cohort of  individuals born between 1980-1999. Other names for Generation Next are Generation Y, Millennial Generation or the Net Generation many of them are the children of Baby Boomers. People of this generation are known for:

• Being technologically savvy, being the first generation to experience social media
• Having a strong belief in equal opportunity,they are very ethnically and racially diverse.
• Their ability to multitask and think quickly
• Having a greater tolerance for differences than their predecessors.

This is the newest generation and will be the future leaders of tomorrow, they are currently our teens and twenty somethings - and many of them are either just starting their careers, thinking about their careers or transitioning from school to career. So, if you or someone you know is part of this generation why not join us (but remember, all are welcome!):

 The Gap Year Alternative...What You Need to Know, Thursday, April 19, 2012, Auditorium

A Gap Year is a time away from normal routine, a time for you to experience personal growth through volunteerism, travel and work. Find out about the benefits and changing perceptions of taking a "Gap Year" and how it can help you expand your horizons and find new excitement. All are welcome!

 

 

Apprenticeships: Earn As You Learn! Tuesday, April 23, 2012, 6:30 -8:00, Auditorium

Come join us for the second program of our Generation Next Series. Prof. Angelo Palantzas will discuss apprenticeship training for construction and industrial trades. Apprentices learn a skilled occupation by combining college courses with paid on the job training. Skilled workers are in high demand in current industries. All are welcome!

For more information on apprenticeships, check out this blog!

Juggling Student Loans, Credit Card Debt, & an Entry Level Salary? Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 6:30 - 8:00, Auditorium

In this session financial advisor Anthony Romano will share the single biggest money mistake we all make and how to avoid it. He will discuss how to venture past a regular savings account into the world of mutual funds and TFSAs and the impact the world's financial situation could have on you.
Learn to manage your money, pay off debt, and control your financial future. All are welcome.

If you'd like to register call the Business Department @ 416-395-5613, or just come!

Apprenticeships - Earn as You Learn!

An apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker. For the majority of apprenticeships you receive most of your training on the job from other more experienced workers - actually according to Employment Ontario 90% of most apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace. However, you also are required to complete some classroom instruction at an educational institution for a theoretical foundation.  One important thing to know is that there are two categories of trades; for some you must get a Certificate of Qualification- meaning that you must pass a provincial exam to prove you are indeed skilled in your trade, and the others certification is voluntary. The education component of apprenticeships prepares you for certification.

If you are the type of person who enjoys working with your hands, you feel like you couldn't see yourself sitting in an office, or you prefer to learn by "doing" rather than listening then maybe an apprenticeship is for you. Actually, my partner is one of these people - he has a knack for fixing things, problem solving, hates to sit still and is a mechanic. When he graduated from high school he started working right away in at an auto-shop and did one three month term a year in school. Eventually, he went on to work as a truck mechanic and even went up to Yellowknife to work on the famous and dangerous Ice Roads - in Yellowknife the salaries tend to be higher.  One good think about careers in the trades is that you are eligible to work in many provinces across Canada. Actually, there is something called the Red Seal Endorsement, which permits skilled workers of elgible trades to work anywhere in Canada.

There is a high demand for skilled workers in the current industry. Industries need to stay up to date with technology which is changing at a rapid rate in order to keep up with the global economy. According to the Ontario Business Report by 2020 Ontario will face a shortage of 190,000 skilled workers due to retiring baby boomers. So, right now the province is really trying to attract people to skilled trades. You can apply for a $1,000/year tax dedcutible apprenticeship incentive grant which will help to pay for books, transportation, tutition, tools etc.

There are over 150 trades to choose from ranging from steamfitters, cabinetmakers, arborists, hairstylists, automotive painers and many more. The trades are divided into four categories:

1. Construction
2. Service
3. Industrial
4. Motor Power

There are so many different paths you can choose when you graduate from highschool; university, college, or even working right away. When you're doing an apprenticeship you are a worker, so you earn as you learn.

Below are some helpful links:

Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

George Brown College Apprenticeships

Youth Canada - Apprenticeship programs

Canadian Apprenticeship trades

 

 

 

Searching for a job, try a "Job Search @ Your Fingertips" workshop

Are you looking for a job, and need some more resources for your search? The library is a good place to start. Every month North York Cental Library has a workshops called Job Search @ Your Fingertips usually on a Thursday afternoon from 2:00 - 3:30. Registration is required, you can register in the business department on the 4th floor of North York Central Library or call 416-395-5613. In these workshops online career resources are discussed, using the library website. Career related databases are also explored, such as:

 

Business Writing 

Core skills for business writing including letters, reports, emails, etc. This is a good resource for assisting with grammar especially for resumes and cover letters. This database is available anywhere with a library card.

 

Scott's Business Directories Online

Canadian company information by product, type, location, exports, demographics, contact information. This database allows you to search for companies across Canada by geographic region and many career categories. The database provides company information such as: executive names and email addresses, company websites, yearly estimated sales, company size etc. You can find companies to contact in your field for employment. This database is available anywhere with a library card.

 

Canada Employment Weekly

Canada's Largest Career Newspaper which lists full time occupation for thousands of jobs for over 80 occupations every week. Online access is available only at North York Central and Toronto Reference Library - you can ask library staff to help you.

 

 

Other libraries have many other Career & Job search related programs such as:

Resumes and Cover Letters that get Results,

Access the 80-90% of Hidden Market Jobs 

Ontario Works Information Session.

 

Click the link for other Career & Job Search programs at a branch near you.