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)

 

Important Career Info for Internationally Trained Professionals

If you are an internationally trained professional looking to build your career in Ontario or know someone who is on the same quest, have a look at these relevant sites.

The Ontario government's initiative to help these professionals integrate and contribute to the Ontario economy is the Ontario Bridge Training programs. They help skilled newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Each bridge training program is unique, but in general they are designed to give internationally trained professionals:

• an assessment of their education and skills
• clinical or workplace experience
• skills training or targeted academic training
• preparation for a license or certification examination
• occupation-related language training
• individual learning plans to identify any added training needed

 

Global Experience Ontario is a one-stop centre offering a range of services for internationally trained individuals.

The GEO centre provides information for people who intend to apply to a regulatory body to obtain licensure to work in their field. Knowledgeable staff can explain the process for licensing and registration in Ontario.

English and French services are available in person, by telephone and online. Staff at the GEO centre also respond to information requests from prospective newcomers.

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials This centre provides information and referrals for people interested in coming to work in Canada. However what this centre is really known for is Information and referral on the assessment of foreign academic credentials, the recognition of qualifications, prior learning assessment and recognition, and credential assessment and evaluation services in Canada.

What should you do Next? Join us for our Generation Next Series!

This year, the library is having our 2^nd annual Generation Next Series. This series of 3 programs is geared to the Millenial Generation (otherwise known as Generation Y, the Global Generation, the "me-first" generation  or the Net Generation) of individuals who have birth dates generally between the late 1970's to the early 2000's and are primarily the children of baby boomers. This demographic cohort is said to be the most educated and diverse generation in history. They are also said to have a tendency have more entrepreneurial tendencies. However, all are welcome to attend the programs. The information can be pertinent to individuals of all ages. This generation is known for:

• Being technologically savvy, the first generation to experience social media and very innovative
• Having strong beliefs in equal opportunity and being quite ethnically and racially diverse
• Being very confident; they tend to have very high expectations in terms of wages, and ability to affect change in their workplace

The first program Entrepreneurship 101: Tips on Starting Your Own Small Business is tonight:

Join Donovan Dill, entrepreneurship program manager from Youth Employment Services (YES). He will discuss services available to aspiring young entrepreneurs and provide an overview on business planning, obtaining loans, business operations as well as advice on avoiding common mistakes.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013/ Room 1/6:30 - 8:00pm

The next program is How to Hatch Your Career through Networking

Cassandra Jowett, content manager from TalentEgg.ca will share how she hatched her own career through networking while she was a student at Ryerson University, and provide easy-to-use strategies that will help students and grads become better networkers both online and in real life.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013/6:30 - 8:00pm/ Room 2/3

The final program is Secrets of a Successful Technology Startup

Join entrepreneur Mahyar Fotoohi, Chairman & Co-founder of Unified Computer Intelligence Corp., a technology startup that is changing how people interact with the Internet and technology. Mahyar will discuss creating a product that people want, building the right team, and fundraising.

Monday, May, 27, 2013/ 6:30 - 8:00pm/ Auditorium

This demographic has been profiled a lot recently. The Huffington Post Canada did an Abacus data poll on 1,004 generation nexters to get a sense of their different characteristics since all milennials are not the same. They came up with 6 different Millennial Segments . 

1. The Achiever
2. The Pacer
3. The Spark
4. The Stampeder
5. The Simple Lifer
6. The Firefly

You can take a quiz to figure out which millenial you are.

There was also an interesting Globe and Mail article The six ways Generation Y will transform the workplace.  Here are a couple of the ways:

• Having more women in leadership roles - the majority of millenials were used to both of their parents working so they have had positive female role models. 
• Have regular, immediate social media feedback - immediate feedback is effective especially in terms of evaluating performance and even rewarding performance publicly.
• Emphasize a performance, result driven work environment - evaluation is based mainly on performance not necessarily presence

So remember to check out our programs. They are all free of charge. If you'd like to register, call us up in the Business department at 416-395-5613. You can also drop in without registering as long as the seats aren't all taken.

Hope to see you there!

Canada : Student loans, grants and scholarships

Getting Started:

The Business Department at North York Central Library has a careers section that includes educational directories as well as directories that include scholarship opportunities.  The Business, Science and Technology Department at Toronto Reference Library also has an extensive collection of educational calendars and directories.

Searching the Library Website:

Suggested Subject headings/Keywords:

Scholarships--Canada--Directories

Student loans--Canada--Directories.

Endowment of research--Canada--Directories.

Suggested Titles:

Scholarships.com. - entrance awards directory which includes comprehensive information on Canadian scholarships and awards.

Assistantships and graduate fellowships in the mathematical sciences.

Scholarship: a handbook of scholarships, awards and financial assistance for Canadian high school graduates.

Canadian University Scholarship Handbook.

Guide to Canadian scholarships.

 

Using On-line Resources

Recommended Websites:

Canada: Student Loans, Grants and Scholarships:

CanLearn.ca - Browse through this section for tips on everything from financing your education to managing your loans.

The Canada Student Loans Program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to post-secondary students who demonstrate financial need.

ScholarhipsCanada.com is an educational site for students to find scholarships, student awards, bursaries and grants.  Students can search for scholarships by name, school, field of study and scholarship provider.

Youth.ca will help youth learn about the various options available to help manage finances and pay for education.

Ontario: Student Loans, Grants and Scholarships:

Ontario Student Assistance Program - This is where you apply for OSAP or 30% off Ontario tuition.

Ontario Education and Training - Check out the Ontario Student Assistance Program  - a mix of grants and loans available for students.

Ontario Education and Training (loans grants and bursaries) - Where to find money that can help you pay for a college, university or apprenticeship program after high school.

Other:

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) administers a range of awards on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Student Awards.com was established in 1998 and is a free scholarship matching service, devoted to helping Canadian high school, college, and university students by providing information about scholarships, bursaries, grants, fellowships and other forms of financial assistance.

World Wide Learn.com strives to provide students with up-to-date information about financial aid for online learning programs. 

Recommended Databases:

Career Cruising - includes in depth information on college and university programs

For further assistance contact:

Business Department - fourth floor, North York Central Library - 5120 Yonge Street - (416)-395-5613

or

Business, Science and Technology Department, third floor, Toronto Reference Library - 789 Yonge Street - (416)-393-7149

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

Are You an Internationally Trained IT or ICT Professional? Free Job Assistance Program - Starts January 28, 2013

The Coaching to Career's bridging program offers Internationally Educated IT professionals an opportunity to launch their careers in Canada. The program has been developed by the Information and Communications Technology Council in partnership with JVS Toronto and One Million Acts of Innovation! The next intake begins on January 28, 2013.   On March 11th, another intake will begin.

Coaching to Career is funded by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada and offered at no cost to eligible participants. Through this program, established ICT Specialists  will coach, guide, advise and support ICT professionals as they launch their careers in Canada.

Candidates: Ideal clients are ICT professionals in Canada, less than 3 years, who have finished education programs in Canada or job search programs sponsored by colleges, community organizations colleges. Participants must have a CLB language assessment of Level 8 or higher in 4 categories.

The following are ICT candidates who will be considered for this program:

• Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
• Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
• Electronics Engineers
• Computer Network and Web Technicians
• Graphic Designers and Illustrators
• User Support Technicians
• Web Designers and Developers
• Computer and Information System Managers
• Software Engineers
• Database Administrators

Applications:  Starting Date: January 28, 2013

Cost to Client: Free

Location of In class Portion of program:  JVS Toronto ( Dufferin and Glencairn area of Toronto; subway and bus accessible)

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.

Ever Consider a Career in Politics? Learn from the late and great Lincoln Alexander

 

Lincoln MacCauley Alexander (January 21, 1922 - October 19, 2012) - who was affectionately called "Linc" by close friends and family - even his children, was a man who was first to do so many things in his political career:

• His biggest first was in 1968, when he became the first black member of parliament (MP) - he ran as the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada candidate in the Hamilton West electoral district.
• In 1979, he became the first black Canadian cabinet minister, he was minister of labour
• In 1985, he became the first black Canadian, 24th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario where his main focus was: education, youth and racism and youth. He served from 1985 - 1991
• In 1992, he was appointed companion of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario
• After leaving Office he became chancellor at University of Guelph - he served 5 terms, the longest serving Chancellor in their history

Many people think that in order to have a successful career in politics, one has to be wealthy. Although, it is true that campaigns can be quite costly - amongst other things, it is possible to have a career in politics without having to "come from money". Lincoln Alexander came from fairly humble beginnings. He was born in Toronto to Mae Rose a Jamaican immigrant who was a maid and Lincoln Alexander Sr. an immigrant from St. Vincent and the Grenadines who was a porter for the Canadian Railway. After his mother had a violent dispute with his father, they moved to Harlem with his older brother. He had an immense capability to connect and network with people while making a long lasting impact - I guess that's why people called him "Linc".

 

Lincoln Alexander - Royal Canadian Air Force WW2

 

During the second World War he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Once the war was over he focused on his education, finished high school in Hamilton, completed his undergraduate degree at McMaster in Economics and HIstory, and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1953. His love for education was lifelong and widely recognized he also earned honorary degrees from:

• University of Toronto, 1986
• McMaster University, 1987
• University of Western Ontario,1988
• York University, 1990
• Royal Military College of Canada, 1991
• Queen's University, 1992

In his honor, he also had several schools named after him: Lincoln Alexander Public School, in Ajax, Hamilton and Markham, Lincoln M. Alexander Secondary School - Mississauga and Lincoln Alexander Hall at the University of Guelph. In November 2006 his autobiography Go to school, you're a little black boy: the Honourable Lincoln M. Alexander, a memoir was published. This memoir helps to illustrate how this charismatic and influential man fought to make such an impact from very early on. We have a lot of copies of the book at the library, I actually just put a hold on it for myself, you can too, if you click on the book below:

Also, if you're thinking of a possible career in politics here are a couple titles which may help:

 

       

 

Lincoln Alexander died peacefully in his sleep on October 19, 2012 at the age of 90. He was honoured with a state funeral, where hundreds of people lined the streets and thousands attended. This is how his granddaughter who spoke at his funeral remembers him, as a man who was devoted to his family despite all his public commitments:

"You achieved more than most people could imagine, you have done so much for all of us."

- RIP Lincoln Alexander.

 

Upgrading Your Skills: A Return to the Classroom

Thinking of returning to school to upgrade your skills? Lots of people do that for any number of reasons: Canadian accreditation, lost their job or are still in a job and realize that their current skills can be updated in order to make them more competitive; bored and want a career change, in the hopes of landing their dream job; or simply wanted new challenges.

The other thing you want to look into is getting exemptions in a few subjects. You may be offered prior learning and assessment recognition for previous studies. 

The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities funds a program called Second Career. It provides up to $28,000 in grants for tuition, books, transportation and a basic living allowance. As it is a grant, you are not required to pay it back to the government. Getting approval isn't easy - it involves travelling around the city research schools, completing labour market research and talking to people who are in the field to which you are aspiring. I suppose the goverment does that in order to ensure that each candidate truly has the desire and ability to complete their program successfully. Job hunting techniques are also included, eg. preparing an effective resume, cover letter and interview techniques.

On another note, the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services offers a program called Ontario Works. For those in temporary financial need and can show that they fulfill certain criteria, Ontario Works can provide them with money and help them find a job.

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.