You may have seen Lankan-born Dharmasena Yakandawela behind the counter at the local 7-Eleven in Port Moody, B.C. That was the former judge and lawyer’s first job after landing in Canada in 2006. He only lasted about a month at the convenience store, because he realized the fall from doling out justice to doling out slurpees was just too steep. “I was crying to myself, ‘What am I doing here?’” he says with a chuckle. “Immigrants can end up in jobs like that forever.” But, like many Canadian immigrants, he knew he would not be able to transition easily into his field in Canada. For starters, law is a licensed field, so Yakandawela would have to take exams and even retrain.
He had some decisions to make, so he started making calls to local immigrant settlement agencies, universities and law schools to help him gather as much information as he’d need to make some educated choices. After one of his calls, he learned of a certificate program for immigration consultancy at the University of British Columbia. “I called up schools and explained my background. [UBC] told me about this program and said they would bring me in now.”
Yakandawela realized that becoming a certified immigration consultant was the next best thing to being a lawyer — a solid Plan B career. “I realized that instead of settling for a survival job, this was the start of my career in Canada,” he says. After completing the program, he started up his firm YLD Canada Immigration and Recruitment Services Ltd., first as a home-based enterprise and now with an office in Surrey, B.C. Today, he helps other immigrants not only come to Canada, but he is working in co-operation with Kwantlen Polytechnic University on a special project that will help nurses from Sri Lanka come to Canada and transition more easily into the licensed nursing field. Yakandawela has many other projects on the go, including studying toward elicensing as a lawyer in B.C. For Yakandawela, retraining has been a necessary step in getting back to his field of expertise in Canada.
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The University of Prince Edward Island is not holding a job fair for new teachers graduating this year because in a tight job market few recruiters felt the need to travel to the province. The cancellation is a symptom of the oversupply of qualified teachers across the country. According to the latest numbers from Statistics Canada, for every teaching position open across the country there are 10 people looking. That makes teaching the most sought after yet unavailable job in Canada. The situation worries Kristen Rix, a UPEI student who has her heart set on being a teacher. "Out of all the people who want to be a teacher, there's not a whole lot of opportunity for them anymore," said Rix.
UPEI has been holding a job fair for its education graduates for several years, but it was simply not able to put together a viable event this year. The dean of education said school boards have been cutting back on travel budgets. Some students travelled elsewhere to attend a job fair. "[It's] disappointing that we had to travel to New Brunswick to go the job fair to see who is recruiting across Canada," said education student Heather Cardy. But Cardy said there was not a lot of promise at the New Brunswick job fair. "It's a little better out west, but it still sounds like there's a lot of supply and not a whole lot of demand," she said.
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Connections play a role in sustaining communities, and the stronger the connections, the more an opportunity exists for communities to build their social and economic system. Research suggests that there is a potential for Corner Brook businesses to become more innovative and to use technology to improve business processes and to expand business operations. A series of workshops at Grenfell Campus and College of the North Atlantic (CNA) are being offered to help implement a system to better identify and utilize networks. The first workshop, Introduction to Social Network Analysis, is scheduled to take place Monday, Feb. 6, from 1-5 p.m. in the lecture theatre, College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook.
This session will provide a general overview for those curious about mapping and strengthening local networks. The workshop will cover social network analysis theory, methods and applications and demonstrate network mapping and simple analysis. A discussion of the background and technique of social network analysis through practical hands-on activities, and ideas for weaving and strengthening new and existing networks will also take place. Participants are asked to bring a java-enabled laptop to this session. Attendance at the CNA workshop will provide context for those participating in the second workshop: Technical Introduction to Social Network based on UCINET social network analysis software. This workshop will be more technical and will provide a practical application for the knowledge. Workshop objectives include an in-depth discussion of many aspects, functions and applications of social media analysis. This workshop will take place at Grenfell Campus, room FC2001, Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Participants must bring their own laptop and download a free version of UCINET Social Network Analysis software prior to attendance.
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Officials say when the aquaculture industry holds its annual conference and trade show in Gander this month, there will be lots to celebrate. The value of the aquaculture industry in this province is around the $170-million mark for salmon, trout and blue mussels. The industry provides about 700 direct jobs, especially in the Coast of Bays region on the south coast. Executive Director, Miranda Pryor, says in addition to the permanent employment, there are a high number of spin-off jobs as well. Pryor admits there are challenges facing the industry but the opportunities for growth are tremendous. The Association will hold its 19th annual conference and trade show at the Albatross Hotel in Gander February 14th to 16th.
However, the consensus remains that drastic and tragic measures must be taken to ensure the long-time viability of the pulp and paper industry in this area. "I was disappointed to hear of any jobs lost at mill," Corner Brook Mayor Neville Greeley said Wednesday evening. "But, understanding the industry they are in, and the competitiveness of it, and the state it is in on the world markets, it is not surprising." The mayor said the city has received positive indicators from Kruger pertaining to the mill's future. "Their intentions are to keep the Corner Brook mill operating," he said. "They see it as a mill that can be sustainable, however not under the current circumstances. We very much want the mill open and operating in the city, and being a good corporate citizen." Greeley said job loss is always difficult to deal with, but skilled tradespeople and good paying jobs are particularly troublesome. He hopes not to lose these residents, and their families, from the area.
Looking for some kind of silver lining, he hopes the replacement of these positions with contractors will lead to increased opportunities for private enterprise, which could then lead to further employment opportunities for some displaced mill workers. Meanwhile, Keith Goulding, president of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, said the loss of so many high-paying jobs creates a trickle-down effect on the business community. "Forty-three families are being negatively impacted by this news today," he said. "Forty-three high-paying salaries are coming out of the local economy. Initially, you will see a negative impact. "The economy, these families, and Corner Brook as a whole, will rebound from that. These guys are skilled people, so hopefully they will get opportunities with some of the new mega-projects they are talking about in the province." He also hopes the recent layoffs create a more sustainable environment for the mill, ensuring its future in this area.
Even the smartest and most qualified job seekers need to prepare for job interviews. Why, you ask? Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview skills. Practice Good Nonverbal Communication: It's about demonstrating confidence: standing straight, making eye contact and connecting with a good, firm handshake. That first nonverbal impression can be a great beginning -- or quick ending -- to your interview. Dress for the Job or Company Today's casual dress codes do not give you permission to dress as "they" do when you interview. It is important to know what to wear to an interview and to be well-groomed. Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking. If possible, call to find out about the company dress code before the interview.
Listen From the very beginning of the interview, your interviewer is giving you information, either directly or indirectly. If you are not hearing it, you are missing a major opportunity. Good communication skills include listening and letting the person know you heard what was said. Observe your interviewer, and match that style and pace. Don't Talk Too Much/ Telling the interviewer more than he needs to know could be a fatal mistake. When you have not prepared ahead of time, you may ramble when answering interview questions, sometimes talking yourself right out of the job. Prepare for the interview by reading through the job posting, matching your skills with the position's requirements and relating only that information. Don't Be Too Familiar The interview is a professional meeting to talk business. This is not about making a new friend. Your level of familiarity should mimic the interviewer's demeanor. It is important to bring energy and enthusiasm to the interview and to ask questions, but do not overstep your place as a candidate looking for a job.
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An Academy Canada official says there appears to be a new sense of confidence about future economic job prospects in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Director of Community Relations with Academy Canada in St. John's, James Loder, says they are noticing people enrolling at the Academy have a huge sense of optimism about finding employment when they graduate. He says while many graduates may find opportunities outside of the province, they no longer feel they have to leave to find work, as many of them have a number of options to consider. Loder stated students are feeling good about the near and long term future. He says billions of dollars are being spent in the province with projects like Vale in Long Harbor, Hebron and other developments. Loder pointed out Academy Canada graduates work with a wide range of companies, including contractors, engineering, architectural and industrial firms, provincially, nationally and internationally. Loder says there is also demand for trades in steamfitter/pipefitter, plumbers, welders, insulators, carpenters, construction industrial electricians and in the area of computer aided drafting. Loder says in his 20 plus years in the education field, he has never seen a better time to pursue a quality career within the province. He acknowledges here may not be a shortage of labour in the province but there is most certainly a shortage of skilled labour.
Business confidence in Newfoundland and Labrador is down for the fourth straight month, according to a monthly survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. The Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the federation released its January “Business Barometer” today, a 100-point scale that measures whether businesses expect their performance to be stronger or weaker in the coming year. The higher the score is above 50, the higher the level of confidence among survey businesses. Conversely, a score under 50 means that more businesses think they will be worse off in the coming year than think they will have better years.
The province’s January score is 57.4, down 2.5 points from its December score of 59,8, and belowe the national average of 65.2. Still 62 per cent of business owners in Newfoundland and Labrador say the current state of their business is good, 28 per cent say it is satisfactory, and 10 per cent say it’s bad. The survey also asks businesses what their main operating challenges and cost pressures are. In Newfoundland and Labrador, businesses say their main operating challenge is a shortage of skilled labour, and the costs of fuel/energy and wages are the main cost pressures.
Unemployed older workers in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive help to develop their skills and re-enter the workforce thanks to the Government of Canada’s Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program (TIOW). Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today while in St. John’s for pre-budget consultations. “Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth,” said Dr. Leitch. “Through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, we are taking action to help unemployed older workers in Newfoundland and Labrador get the skills training and the support they need to transition to new jobs.”
Offered in partnership with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada is providing $2.2 million in funding that will help 115 unemployed older workers through 13 separate TIOW projects. Participants will develop their employability skills and take advantage of work experiences to help them successfully return to the labour market. TIOW provides unemployed older workers aged 55 to 64 with the specialized support they need to adapt to the changing economy. This can include employment assistance services, skills upgrading and job experience to find new employment or to start their own business. The initiative targets unemployed older workers living in vulnerable communities with populations of 250,000 or less, where jobs are harder to find. The chosen communities typically experience high unemployment or rely significantly on an employer or industry that has experienced downsizing or closure.
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The Government of Canada has officially launched Canada Summer Jobs 2012, creating thousands of job opportunities for students. Pierre Poilievre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and took the opportunity to invite employers from across the country to apply for funding. “Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth, and Canada Summer Jobs 2012 will provide up to 36 000 important job opportunities and experiences for students across the country,” said Mr. Poilievre. “This program benefits students and employers alike and strengthens the economies of communities throughout Canada.”
In 2011, the Government of Canada permanently increased the annual budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million. The increased funding is helping even more students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, both now and in the future. Funding will be available for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce, so by investing in them we are helping contribute to Canada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity,” added Mr. Poilievre. Employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2012, or print an application from the website. They can also get an application by visiting any Service Canada Centre. Applications must be submitted between February 1 and February 29, 2012. To help employers complete their application, the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide is available online, by calling 1-800-935-5555, or by visiting any Service Canada Centre.
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Feb. 1, 2012, marked the National Day of Action for post-secondary students, organized by the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). Across Canada, students are delivering a message to the government by calling for more funding and lower tuition. The event kicked off at The Landing in the University Centre on the St . John's campus. Speakers included Premier Kathy Dunderdale; Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Joan Burke; Jessica McCormick, N.L. Chairperson for the CFS; and Michael Walsh, MUNSU executive director of external affairs. Ms. McCormick began by explaining the sentiments behind the national day of action and reminding those gathered that student action in the past has led to tuition fee reduction, amongst other victories.
“When students come together and unite, we create positive change,” she told the crowd of approximately 100 people. The idea behind the day of action, according to Ms. McCormick, is to send a clear message that post-secondary education is an economic imperative. Part of the goal locally, says Ms. McCormick, is to hold the provincial government accountable to the promises it made to students in the provincial election. Premier Dunderdale spoke about her own university experience at Memorial. “I wouldn’t have been able to come to university without the support of student loans,” she said. Ms. Dunderdale spoke of the vast opportunities young people in our province have today, but agreed the right tools are needed, including access to education. “I agree with Jessica’s statement,” she said, “Education is a right, not a privilege.” Minister Burke echoed the premier’s sentiments and reminded the crowd that tuition in N.L. is among the lowest in the country and that we have the best student aid program in Canada, being the only province so far to implement zero per cent interest on provincial student loans. Minister Burke said accessible education is only a matter of priority.
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"We know post-secondary education is a key to building a better BC, so why don't we make it more accessible," said Cindy Oliver, President of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators. "Tuition fees in BC have skyrocketed over the last decade and undermined what should be a more accessible and affordable public good; post-secondary education," Oliver added. Oliver's comments came as FPSE announced its support for the National Day of Action organized by the Canadian Federation of Students, an event designed to mobilize greater public support for changing the affordability barriers of high tuition fees. "There has been considerable research done already that shows record high tuition fees are forcing the current generation of students to pay far more for their post-secondary education than has ever been the case in either BC or Canada," Oliver noted. "Imposing that heavy financial burden on today's students only guarantees that student debt loads will continue to increase and ultimately prevent thousands of students from either starting or completing their post-secondary education," Oliver stressed.
"Moreover, a recent study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) showed that the public treasury is more than compensated by investing in post-secondary education," Oliver said. "The study—Paid in Full—showed how post-secondary education translates into higher incomes which, in turn, mean greater tax revenues for government. Instead of making post-secondary education more expensive for students the study shows we need to make it a lot more affordable. Lowering tuition fees would be a logical first step in that commitment," Oliver added. "Our members have a long history of supporting the student movement in Canada because we share many of the same values and objectives. We both believe that post-secondary education needs to become more of a right, not a privilege. We both see the long term value to individuals and society as a whole when citizens are able to better access post-secondary learning opportunities. Those beliefs are central to the National Day of Action campaign and central to our support for this important event," Oliver concluded.
Thousands of students and community members will be participating in rallies and events across the country today to demand a national strategy for post-secondary education in Canada. "Chronic underfunding of our education system is preventing thousands of people from accessing education," said Roxanne Dubois, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "It is time for the federal government to decide if it is going to do something to allow the next generation of students to get through the door of universities and colleges."
What: National Student Day of Action across the country
When: Wednesday, February 1 at 12:15
Where: Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Other locations: St John's (NL), Halifax (NS), Toronto (ON), Winnipeg (MB), Regina (SK), and in over thirty communities across the country
Although the most recent study of Canada’s labour market showed the unemployment rate remains above 7 per cent, it also revealed a quarter of a million jobs remain vacant. There were, on average, 248,000 job openings last fall, according to the Statistics Canada survey. While landing one of those jobs has proved elusive for many, there are several approaches that should not be overlooked in the search to identify opportunities. Identifying prosperous sectors and organizations The Internet has afforded citizens access to a substantial informational resource, and online news websites can now also deliver breaking stories directly to interested readers through their e-mail addresses. This makes it easier than ever for job seekers to keep themselves informed on which industries are prospering and creating employment opportunities, so that they can subsequently adopt a more targeted and structured approach to their job search. If you are looking for work, this should be considered as an extremely useful first step towards identifying viable openings.
Using social media to connect with potential employers While it is widely accepted that even small and independent businesses now boast a significant social media presence, the ways in which organizations use these interactive tools are less well known. Jobvite, a U.S.-based recruiting website, estimates that 89 per cent of organizations will use social media to play a significant role in recruitment during 2012, with 64 per cent of businesses adopting an integrated strategy across two or more individual sites. So, with this in mind and using your knowledge of thriving industries and market niches, you can identify potential employers and interact with them directly online.
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A curling team made up entirely of Memorial students has made a big impression far from home. Team Thomas enjoyed an amazing week in Japan, a trip they earned when they won the CIS-CCA Championship last March. The trip became even more special when the team won a silver medal at the Karuizawa International Curling Event against some of the top young teams in the world. According to the Canadian Curling Association (CCA), Memorial's men’s team (representing Canada) "was very impressive this week, and came within an eyelash of winning it all."
The CCA reports that after trailing early in the final game against Japan, the men fought back and had the score tied playing the ninth without hammer. However, when skip Colin Thomas came to throw his last rock, he was looking at four opposition counters and had no choice but to play a raise take-out to try to minimize the damage. As it turned out, the raised rock rolled about a foot too far after removing the object rock and the Japanese skip looked to have a relatively straightforward shot for three. Fortunately for Team Canada, however, he ended up jamming Canada's rock on to one of his own at the back of the house and Canada escaped by giving up just a single point. That left Canada one down with hammer playing the tenth end, and the team managed to set themselves up for two thanks to a terrific run-back double by third Cory Schuh. The potential for two was still there when it came to skip Colin Thomas’ last shot but, unfortunately, he was just heavy on a quiet tap-back attempt. So, the guys ended up scoring one and headed to an extra end.
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