JUST ASK ANGIE
Can you tell me about the Canada Summer Jobs program and how it applies to the Coast?
As you’ve probably observed by “help wanted” signs everywhere locally, there are tons of jobs to be filled here on the Coast, especially heading into these summer months. We know that housing shortages are a real challenge for applicants who need affordable housing to stay in if they work here. As a result, these housing shortages become a real problem for organizations that need to hire.
With that in mind… for those who CAN find housing here on the Coast – whether you already live here, or maybe have an “in,” when it comes to a temporary suite with a friend/relative…there are tons of opportunities.
CANADA SUMMER JOBS
In particular, every summer, the federal government’s Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) programs allow (some very neat) local organizations to get help from the government in funding positions that can give their organization a momentary boost.
From marketing assistants to wildlife support workers to farmhands, summer camp leaders and event organizers, these jobs are targeted to youth. And according to the CSJ program, you’re a “youth” if you’re 15 all the way up to age 30. (Yes, 30-year-olds! You’re still considered to be youthful! High five!)
It’s worth saying here that historically, CSJ postings were reserved for those who would be returning to post-secondary in the fall. Thankfully that limiting factor is no longer the case, and CSJ jobs are open to everyone as long as you fall within the youthful age bracket mentioned above at the start of employment.
To find out what CSJ job postings are out there – beyond simply calling up your favourite local organization the good old-fashioned way to check in with them – you can search the government’s “job bank” website at jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch.
HOW TO FIND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Once you navigate to the job bank website, there is a heading in the top left of the page called “job search.” Hover over that, and a drop-down menu appears. At the bottom of that menu, you’ll see a picture of a very summery sunshine icon and “Canada Summer Jobs.” (Alternatively, there’s an app you can download to search the job bank database too.)
There are so many worthy, neat and varied local organizations and businesses hiring through this program, the Resource Centre being one (wink, wink, potential applicants!) A quick glance and here are a handful of places I noticed were hiring: the Restorative Justice Program of the Sunshine Coast, the Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Pender Harbour Info Centre, the Sechelt Legion, the SCRD, Egmont Heritage Centre, Sunshine Coast Community Services, One Straw Society, Sunshine Coast Hospice, the Sunshine Coast Community Solar Association, Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts….and various farms, summer camps, markets and delicious food-service organizations….and on and on and on.
WE ARE ALSO HIRING!
Back to shamelessly plugging our own posting: Our Sunshine Coast Resource Centre is hiring for a full-time in-office client service position. Email me angie@resourcecentre.ca and I’ll send you the job description, or go to our Facebook page; it’s posted there. We are interviewing on a rolling basis, so apply quickly!
HOMES FOR WORKERS
And back to the housing question about where our workers are going to live: Grandparents! Uncles and aunts! Recruit your younger relatives home to live with you to fill the Coast’s much-needed job openings. Folks with a spare room in your homes, maybe you’d consider renting out a room through your own channels or through a site like Happipad to support a worker needing somewhere to stay. Or, what about this: If you would consider renting out a room in your home or sharing a square of your land this summer, why not connect with your favourite business that might be looking to house their new hires? Maybe you can collaborate with them, and support them in keeping their business running and then you all benefit!
ABOUT JUST ASK ANGIE
Angie Theilmann is an information and referral specialist at the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, your community information hub. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are recommended to be sure we are available to help you. Contact us: help@resourcecentre.ca or 604-885-4088.