MINDEMOYA—LaCloche-Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation (LAMBAC) hosted a job fare on November 2 in Mindemoya’s Community Centre. In all, 22 companies took part, presenting a wide range of positions and career opportunities to those in search of employment.
“It’s been a really good turn out so far,” said Stephanie Pepin, the LAMBAC customer services officer who greeted everyone at the door. “People have been showing up with resumes in hand, they’re really serious.”
Some of the companies were looking for individuals with very specific skills. Indigenous Tourism’s Steven Debassige explained the position they had available, digital media intern, was funded with certain requirements that must be met: identifying as Indigenous and living on Manitoulin Island were at the top of the list. Andy Campbell, of Campbell Heating is looking for HVAC technicians and seemed more than a little frustrated at the lack of individuals following this career path.
Manitoulin Family Resources, the Wikwemikoong Board of Education and Community Living Manitoulin and childcare services were all looking for a variety of positions to be filled. Those with the education and experience to step into fulltime positions of authority, assistant positions, aids, dietary or nutritional help, household staff, and part-time positions in many areas. These companies were the most enthusiastic with the turnout. “We’ve gotten a few resumes,” said Cameron Beaudry, with the Wikwemikoong Board of Education, “and we’ve handed out several job applications.”
Beacon Images is a full-service sign shop on Manitoulin Island. “We are looking for somebody who wants to learn how to make signs, put them together; how to embroider, how to imprint on clothing; how to do vehicle wraps, how to put lettering on vehicles and how to do decals. So, it’s completely a training position,” said Julie Pearson. “Really what I’m looking for is someone I can train who is smart, capable and dependable.”
Dorothy Anstice was looking for farm help. The Anstice Dairy farm in Tehkummah could use some ‘motivated, reliable and hardworking individuals who enjoy working patiently and calmly with animals.’ Not just with the milking but with the care of the calves and heifers and general farm chores as well. “Some people have shown an interest,” Ms. Anstice said, “of course, we are willing to train. Though having to get up at 5:30 in the morning has some people rethinking the idea,” she said with a laugh.
Most looking for employment were enthusiastic and hopeful, but there were a few who came away disappointed. “I’m not seeing any alternative healthcare,” said Launette Gibson, “I’ve studied massage therapy, and I don’t see any of those services here.” Another young woman was hoping to get a job as an esthetician and was also discouraged.
“Most in those fields work for themselves and don’t often employ others,” Susan Whynott said. She is affiliated with LAMBAC through the NOW program, which supports Northern Ontario Women in business and is funded by FedNor. “But once our programs are up and running, we’ll be able to assist these women with courses and funding to set up their own businesses.”
The degree of enthusiasm for the job fare depended on the type of personnel for which the employers were searching. A few mentioned the obvious lack of a younger demographic in attendance. “Where are the young people? I don’t see any young people,” said Renatta, from the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre. The paramedics were not intending to hire anyone at the fair, though they had hoped to direct the interest of school age students toward their field. Some felt the hours in which the fair was held may have been a factor in the absence of a more youthful response. “Something in the evening might have been a better choice,” said one employer. “School and work could have kept many away in the middle of the day.”
Overall, the employers were pleased with the day and were hopeful this would become an annual event. If you were unable to attend the job fair, you can find many of the positions that were on offer listed in the careers section of The Manitoulin Expositor.
by Margery Frisch
photos by Margery Frisch
