Career Services

Employer Presentation - SYKES

2012-01-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

Click here to learn more....

Holiday Job Searching -- Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-11-22T12:56:00.005-05:00

Thinking about taking a break from your job search? Think again. December is not all about vacations and holiday shopping. The truth is, plenty of businesses don't stop their hiring processes to spread holiday cheer-- and many businesses are doing peak sales and need the extra staff. If you're job hunting, this is a most wonderful time of the year.

Short-term Retail Positions

There are plenty of short-term retail positions created during the holidays. This is not just working a booth at the mall. Plenty of retailers are adding cashiers to handle the increase in customers, and adding floor managers to deal with the new stock. Deliver drivers are needed. Any of these positions could lead to more work, and all add experience to your resume.

Competition for Positions

Because so many job seekers stop their search during December, this means less competition for you. At this time of year, recruiters see a fraction of the resumes and applications they usually get, and many of those candidates are hard to get a hold of. Step up your job search. Answer your phone. You just might be the best candidate for the job.

Winter Seasonal Work

Many positions for winter seasonal work are hiring now. Recruiters would like to have these positions filled and ready to start for January. If you're a summer seasonal worker, now is a great time to look for winter work for year-long income.

Be Positive

Holiday stress can cause many job seekers to become frustrated, depressed and give up their job searching. Stay positive. Recruiters are just as stressed about the holidays. A positive attitude will make a great impression. It might just get you the job.

Give and Ye Shall Receive

At this time of year, there are plenty of volunteer organizations looking for extra hands. Volunteering your time puts you in a great networking position, while also adding skills and experience to your resume.

Keep up a positive attitude and work hard to job search this holiday season. Even a short-term position can work into something more come January when vacation season starts.

[A word of warning: Do be mindful of job scams. Grinches don't slow down for the holidays.]

We can help! Come on over to our office. We don't slow down for the holidays, either. See our holiday hours. If you're job searching, our experienced employment counsellors can help. You don't have to job search alone.

More articles on job searching during the holidays:

5 Reasons to Continue Your Job Search over the Holidays

Holiday Job Searching

How to Job Search over the Holidays

Job Hunting During the Holidays

Hear what employers are saying!!!

2011-11-15T15:15:00.003-05:00

November 16. Attend presentations starting at 10:00 which include Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, Sunderland Co-operative/Oakwood Ag. Centre/Lindsay Petroleum, City of Kawartha Lakes - Agricultural Development Officer and Bob Mark New Hollland. Find out different types of occupations in this sector such as labourers, administration, human resources, sales, management, apprenticeships and many more.

Join us again, November 17 and hear labour market information from Ontario Provincial Police, Kawartha Guard Services, Corrections Canada, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Find out different occupations in each of these sectors. Learn how to apply to these positions and find out what employers like to see in an application.

Light refreshments provided.
Enter a draw to win a free laptop.

Meals Served Around Town

2011-11-02T14:43:00.003-04:00

Community Care Greet and Eat
Every Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. Tickets $7.00 each
Call 705-324-7323 or 705-878-8261

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Sunday dinners no charge
2nd and 4th Sunday of each month
Call 705-324-4842 for more information

Soup Kitchen
11:30 to 12:30 pm
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Call 705-324-4842 for more information

Nov. 14 - 17 - Bringing Employers to You!

2011-11-02T14:40:00.002-04:00

Light Refreshments Provided
Draw for a FREE laptop.
Don't be disappointed, call to reserve your spot (705) 328-0180.

Career Week at VCCS

2011-11-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

VCCS is hosting Career Week November 14 - 17, 2011. We will be covering topics on Green Jobs on Monday November 14, Community Services on Tuesday November 15, 2011, Employment in Agriculture on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 and on Thursday, November 17, 2011 Emergency Services. Each day we will have agencies and employers talk on each topic. Click here for more information.

Small Business Week - October 17 - 21, 2011

2011-10-12T08:49:00.004-04:00

Come visit VCCS Employment Services' table at MP Barry Devolin's Lead Off to Small Business Week on Monday October 17, 2011. Located at the Lindsay Fairgrounds, 354 Angeline Street South, Lindsay, from 4:00 - 9:00p.m. No registration is necessary and everyone is welcome!

Representatives from various agencies will be on hand such as Business Development Canada, Farm Credit Canada, OMAFRA, Export Development Canada, Revenue Canada, Service Ontario, Community Futures Development Corporation, Service Canada, City of KL Economic Development, Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre and many more.

5:00p.m. - Special Presentation: Small Business
7:00 p.m. - Specical Presentation: Futures for farmers

Small Business Week - Oct. 17 - 21, 2011

2011-09-27T15:15:00.003-04:00

On Thursday October 20th from 5:30 - 7:00, Mark Mason, Barrister and Solicitor, Hicks Morley will present a FREE workshop on Employment Law and What Employers Need to Know at VCCS Employment Services.

Mark will cover the following topics:

What should be in a personnel file

Dealing with difficult employees

Performance Appraisals

Managing contract and part time employees

Liability Issues training and due diligence

Question and Answer period

Space is limited. Please call 705-328-0180 to reserve your spot.

For more information visit our website at http://careerservices.org/

Student & Youth Services: How VCCS Can Get You Hired

2011-09-20T10:50:00.001-04:00

Whether you're in school or not, if you're under 21, VCCS Employment Services has many services and great people who can get you hired.

Have a job in mind? We can help. Our employment counsellors are trained experts with the knowledge and years of experience that can take your resume and cover letter from good to great. They can help you prepare for the toughest interview questions. Come in and see our employment counsellors before you fill out that application or send that resume.

Trying to find work? We can help. If you don't already have a job in mind, and are having trouble finding job vacancies for youth/students, come in and view our job board. Our resource room counsellors and job developers have their fingers on the pulse of the local employment sector. If there's work out there, we know about it. Many jobs are not advertised in the paper. We can help you access the hidden job market. You don't have to take the first job you find. We can work with you to find the opportunity that's right for you. Stop by our resource room today.

Not sure what you're looking for? We can help with that, too. Our counsellors are available to discuss options with you. They also put on workshops to help you figure out where you're going in life and what careers are suited for you. Come in and make an appointment today.

Staying Motivated While Job Searching

2011-09-13T10:39:00.008-04:00

Job searching is a difficult task, made all the more grueling by the very personal nature in which you are being evaluated for each job. Every "no" feels like it's aimed at you, and after a collection of rejections you might start to feel like you'll never get a job. Finding the motivation to keep job searching becomes a chore in itself. Here are a few tips to help you keep up your job-search confidence.

First, review your accomplishments every day. Employers are looking for people with positive, enthusiastic attitudes to enhance their businesses. They're not going to want to hire droopy, depressed people who are afraid to talk about themselves. Read over your resume, look through your certificates, and keep a notebook of your best accomplishments. Whenever you remember something you've done that makes you feel proud, jot it down in the notebook. Review these accomplishments before sending a cover letter and before attending an interview. A positive attitude can be felt even in a cover letter. Remember to wear a smile!

Find a support group. A group setting not only increases your list of contacts, but the group setting can provide you with new job search ideas and stories of job search success. A group can be a great source of inspiration. Sometimes when job searching you feel like you're all alone. The first thing you'll find in a support group is that you're not alone. Here at VCCS Employment Services, we run workshops each month. These are great opportunities to find others who are job searching just like you.

If a support group isn't your thing, find a motivational partner. This is someone you can talk to about your job search, proofread your cover letter, commiserate with you and celebrate your success. Find someone who will hold you accountable for your job search and won't let you give up even when it gets hard. This person could also be job searching, and you could lean on each other for support. If you're having trouble finding someone, come to VCCS Employment Services and talk to our counsellors. There's a whole team of job-search cheerleaders here for you.

Perseverance. The hit movie The Help is based on a book by Kathryn Stockett. Kathryn's book was rejected by literary agents 60 times. What if she'd given up after 8 rejections? Or 23? Or even 40? After all, 40 rejections would be pretty hard to take. Finding an agent is no different from finding a job. What if in your job search I told you that you would get the 47th job you applied for-- would you quit after applying for 15 jobs? After 26? Probably not. The right job is out there. You have to keep applying to find it. Try this: for every "no" you get, send out 3 more resumes. Keep looking for opportunities, keep applying.

Volunteer. This is also a great way to increase the number of people you know, and establish more connections, grow your support network. It also increases your employable skills, giving you something relevant to add to your resume. Come in to VCCS Employment Services and look over the many volunteer opportunities posted on our bulletin board, or have a look at Fourinfo.com. The right one is there for you.

Remember you are your own life manager. How would you say your manager is doing? Are you happy with your current job prospects? Would you manage someone else's career direction this way? Probably not. Probably you would be encouraging, supportive, and not take any excuses to quit! Remember: you are worth the same effort! If you're having trouble remembering this, go back up to the top of this post and start following the tips. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Be your own best friend.

Sometimes finding a job really is about who you know. Talk to your family, friends and neighbours. Let them know you're job searching. They might have heard of an opportunity that's right for you. This also helps you establish a support group, a network of motivational partners. Look for work opportunities everywhere.

Above all else, don't give up.

...

Read more about Kathryn Stockett's inspiring story of perseverance: More magazine

Photo credits: perseverance

Community Open House Day - Sept. 21, 2011

2011-09-08T09:26:00.004-04:00

September 21, 2011
9:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Drop in or call to register today (705) 328-0180
Community Services Available to YOU
9:00 Literacy Ontario Central South - Brenda Graham
10:00 Ontario Works - Donna Jokinen
10:30 Job Quest - Kim Godwin
11:00 A Place Called Home - Lorrie Polito
1:30 Service Canada - Claudia Humber
3:00 Credit Counselling Service of Peterborough - Nancy Jackson
4:00 Four County Crisis Centre - Andrew Hodson, Melanie Graham

Descriptive Verbs

2011-08-25T10:55:00.005-04:00

Sometimes when composing resumes and covering letters we get 'word locked' and can't think of a proper word to use. We are hoping these descriptions of verbs will help you.

10 Twitter accounts to follow for job searching in Kawartha Lakes

2011-08-19T11:04:00.004-04:00

1) @WorkCabin – Founder, WorkCabin.ca, Canada’s Environmental Jobs Site | I’m a boots-on-the-ground conservationist. The forest is my second home (really, I’m not kidding)
This is an excellent site for anyone looking for environmental, conservation, and outdoor jobs anywhere in Canada. Ontario is expanding rapidly in the eco-jobs industries. New jobs are posted daily as soon as Work Cabin receives them.

2) @advantageKL – Come for a visit and learn about the advantages of operating a business while living in Kawartha Lakes! We’re here to help.http://www.advantagekawarthalakes.com
These folks are at the forefront of bringing businesses to the City of Kawartha Lakes. Follow them for news of coming businesses and you’ll get a heads-up on where the jobs will be.

3) @MonsterCareers – Monster.com tweet career advice, job-seeking tips, and more – voiced by Monster’s senior editor, Charles Purdy.
Although jobs aren’t posted here like they are on Monster.com and Monster.ca, there are great job search tips posted daily. This site is American.

4) @OnlineResume – Helping Job Seekers overcome the obstacles in resume writing and job seeking online
Again, no postings, but more great job search tips. Some tips are presented with humour. This site is American.

5) @WorkforceDB – The Workforce Development Board is a community based independent not-for-profit corporation funded by MTCU, Industry and other funding sources.
This is a great local resource for employment information, as well as job postings via our CERP job board for the City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough and Cobourg areas.

6) @MunicipalJobs – Canada’s premier Municipal Job Board, hosted by Municipal World, now tweeting job postings from across Canada #jobs Also follow our Editor @MWEditor
Jobs are posted almost daily, but are from across Canada. This is a great resource for those with a university education, who don’t mind relocating.

7) @kawarthajobs – Only jobs in the City of the Kawartha Lakes will be posted here
These jobs are all local, posted daily, and sourced from Kijiji. If you are going to check out these jobs, please do a little homework and be careful.

8) @ptbojobs – Daily job postings for Peterborough, ON. Kyle Richtig, certified Job Search Coach and Résumé Writing Coach, currently works for Northern Lights Canada. http://www.kylerichtig.com
Daily postings of jobs in Peterborough, including Kijiji postings (again, do the research and be careful with Kijiji postings).

9) @vccsemployment – Your one-stop employment service in the City of Kawartha Lakes!
Our official Twitter. Updated as often as possible with what’s happening at VCCS.

10) @SaraW_VCCS – VCCS Employment Services: We are your employment experts in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Follow @vccsemployment Find us on Facebook. http://careerservices.org
News and job information gathered daily from our community and presented for your reference, including job postings and employment-related events.

Bonus tip: Be sure to check out who these accounts are following for more great resources.

Do you have a great Twitter resource to add to this list? Mention them in the comments.

Tom Phillips on the Peterborough Area Employment Situation

2011-08-18T10:18:00.004-04:00

Peterborough based economist Tom Phillips has written a very thoughtful and informative article on the Peterborough Employment situation. As a job seeker in the City of Kawartha Lakes and surrounding area, the suggestions Tom puts forth are of great interest.

http://www.ptbocanada.com/journal/2011/8/16/why-peterboroughs-unemployment-rate-is-so-high-in-global-con.html

Keep an eye on the main ptbocanada blog at http://www.ptbocanada.com for more articles regarding issues and topics in the Peterborough area.

We are Linked!

2011-08-10T17:02:00.000-04:00

As your One-Stop employment service in the City of Kawartha Lakes, we have made it easier to access our web content by linking our twitter(@vccsemployment), facebook & blog sites all in one! Keep watching for more web based fun!

WHY VOLUNTEER???

2011-08-09T11:19:00.002-04:00

Boost your career options

A survey carried out by TimeBank through Reed Executive showed that among 200 of the UK’s leading businesses

73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without
94% of employers believe that volunteering can add to skills
94% of employees who volunteered to learn new skills had benefited either by getting their first job, improving their salary, or being promoted

Also, if you are thinking of a career change then volunteering is a perfect way to explore new fields. If you have a passion for the arts but have career in computing then why not volunteer at your local theatre? Or if your ambitions are to be a doctor why not find out about volunteer opportunities at your local hospital – the ideal way to expand your work portfolio in your field and to gain a real insight into your chosen path.

Taken from: World Volunteer Web

Volunteering and employment-related benefits

Generally, the same groups that are most likely to volunteer to improve their job prospects are also more likely to say that volunteering increased their skills and improved their job prospects. For example, volunteers aged 15 to 24 were more likely than older volunteers to report gaining increased communication skills (82%) and interpersonal skills (77%) from their volunteer activities. However, those aged 55 to 64 were more likely than other volunteers to report gaining knowledge from their volunteer activities. Unemployed volunteers were more likely than other volunteers to report gaining communication skills. Three quarters (75%) of unemployed volunteers reported gaining communication skills, compared to 68% of employed volunteers and 66% of volunteers who were not in the labour force. Similar, but less pronounced, patterns were seen with other skills. Just under half (49%) of employed volunteers aged 15 to 24 said their volunteer activities gave them new skills that they could apply directly to their job. Additionally, almost one quarter (24%) of volunteers aged 15 to 24 said that their volunteer activities had helped them in the past to obtain employment.

Perhaps the most compelling finding regarding the effectiveness of volunteer activity in helping people to obtain employment is that 28% of unemployed volunteers (and 16% of employed volunteers) said that their volunteering had helped them obtain a job in the past and 62% of unemployed volunteers believed that it would help them to find a job in the future.

The Benefits of Volunteering, from the 2000

National Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating

(NSGVP), Canada

For Volunteer Positions in City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and surrounding areas, visit: click here FourInfo.com

Benefits for Employers of Using an Employment Agency

2011-08-03T14:56:00.003-04:00

A non-profit employment agency can be a valuable resource for employers. If you are a business looking to hire such a service can assist in the following ways:

Determine the needs of the business
An experienced job developer will come to your work place and discuss the opportunities within your work place; the duties and tasks of the position, the skills you require to complete the tasks and duties, your organizational culture and the nuances of your business.

Create a job description
In the event that a formal job description does not exist; a job developer can develop one with the employer using a variety of resources. Labour market information is available to assist with finding suitable wages within our region to offer competitive wages.

Assist with finding suitable candidates
Through internal review of candidate’s working within the agency, the job developer can pre-screen job ready clients and discuss their attributes with the employer. External posting of the position allows the employer to access a public virtual and physical job board.

Building Relationships
As services are provided a lasting relationship develops between the employer and the job developer. Business solutions are available for the employer to access on a regular basis. Opportunities to discuss business activities come in the form of presentation or one on one business meetings.

For further information on how VCCS can assist you as an employer, please contact us at your convenience.

Resources for Employers: http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/intro-eng.aspx

5 Tips for Managing the Stress of Starting a New Job

2011-07-22T14:04:00.000-04:00

Starting a new job can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you get through the first few days.

1. Get organized, plan your day.

Spend some time the night before to plan your day. Choose your clothing, make sure it's all clean and pressed. Pack your lunch. Charge your cell phone. Pack a notebook and pen to take with you. If your job requires special tools or equipment, make sure they are in working order and ready to go.

2. Know your workplace.

You probably did some research about your new company during the job search and interview process. Now is the time for additional research. Prepare the night before by reviewing what you learned in your interview. Take another look at the company website, this time to learn the company's mission statement and philosophy. It's now your mission statement, your philosophy.

3. Know your job.

Keep a copy of the job ad, or job description, with you during the first few weeks. This will help you to learn the functions of your new role. Study the company's policies and procedures. Avoid making too many changes too soon in your new job. You want to learn the culture of your new environment before you try to change it. Don't compare your new employer to your old employer. Forget the probation period. Adjust to the rhythm of the workplace right away. You might have a 90 day probation period, but the truth is, no one needs 90 days to learn their place, and if they do, this may not be the right job for them.

4. Keep calm and carry on.

Relax. No one expects you to remember everyone's names in that first day. Be patient with yourself. You didn't learn everything about your last job in one day. You're not expected to know everything about your new job, but you are expected to be a positive contributor to the workplace.

You might want to review our post, "6 Topics to Avoid Discussing at Work".

5. Review your accomplishments.

You were hired for a reason. Keep your résumé with you during the first few days, and read it. Review your accomplishments throughout the day. Stay positive.

If your stress level is becoming too much for you to handle, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association. They can help.

Additional Reading:

* Starting a New Job: How to be Comfortable

* Four tips to overcome fear and anxiety in your new job

photo from flickr commons

How safe are you at work?

2011-07-20T16:01:00.001-04:00

In 2010, 3.86% of all insured workers (or 154,862 total workers) were reported to be injured on the job based on statistics provided by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Reported incidents of injury are down for 2010 as in the previous year, 4.21% of workers were injured on the job 9 or 165,495 total across all insured workers in Ontario. The trend towards more stringent Health & Safety measures for employers and workers to follow has demonstrated a statistical decline in Reported incidents since 2006 when the WSIB reported an injury and illness rate of 5.38%.

It is important to note that While statistics indicate a decline in injury rates that lead to time off the job, the numbers could actually be worse because of accidents in the “underground economy” and “under-the-table paying” jobs that companies and workers never report.

Despite the push for better job safety and a decrease in injury rates, an alarming trend shows that workplace deaths have jumped 16 per cent in Ontario during the last year. A breakdown of the figures from the Ministry of Labour and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board reveals that job fatalities alone climbed by 11 in the latest year or 15 per cent to 84. It is important to note that although in the last year this jump in workplace deaths is significant, overall workplace fatalities since 2006 are down from a 5 year high of 101 in that fiscal year.

Data sourced from from the Toronto Star and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board websites (WSIB) | www.thestar.com | http://www.wsib.on.ca

Rural Workshops

2011-07-11T14:42:00.005-04:00

Live in the surrounding areas of City of Kawartha Lakes. We have many workshops lined up to help you find that summer job. Click here for information and for the July calendar click here and here for August.

VCCS hosting Open House for Student Centre

2011-07-11T14:32:00.004-04:00

VCCS Employment Student Centre is having their open house July 14, 2011. Click here.

July Employer Presentations

2011-07-07T08:41:00.002-04:00

Register for our FREE employer presentations. Call 705-328-0180 or e-mail scolville@careerservices.org

Learn about employment and career opportunities.

Total Cable Inc. July 19, 2011
RCMP July 25, 2011

Can social media really help you find a job?

2011-07-06T15:28:00.003-04:00

More and more social media is entering our lives, our workplaces and our homes. Enquiries to "join my network" pop into our inboxes everyday. But can social networking really help in your job search? More than ever businesses and workplaces are tweeting, linking in and setting up facebook pages as ways of marketing their services. For the job seeker this can provide a wealth of information. What is the company's social media presence, what topics are they presenting and how current are their posts. Having a good understanding of a company gives you valuable information that you can use in your job search. It can help you target who to contact for informational interviews and identify a company's mission, beliefs and values that can help you tailor your resume and coverletter. How to use social media in your job search efforts is just one way that VCCS can help you. Come in and see us to find out more.

RCMP Employer Presentation!

2011-07-05T10:43:00.001-04:00

VCCS will be holding an employer presentation from the RCMP on July 25^th at 10am. Be sure to check out this great opportunity! You will learn about career opportunities, basic requirements, the recruiting process, cadet training pay and will be able to meet the recruiter for the Central Region! Please call 705-328-0180 or visit VCCS Employment Services at 370 Kent St. West in Lindsay to register.

3 Tips for Getting a Job in the Arts

2011-06-29T13:40:00.009-04:00

Maybe you want to make a living as a photographer, web designer, watercolour artist, or jewellery designer, and have noticed the distinct lack of postings for those jobs in the newspaper? Maybe your résumé is filled with your day-job experiences, but doesn’t show your creative side. Maybe you just completed a college or university degree in the arts and don’t want to be stuck in an unrelated 9-to-5 job.

Here are some tips to help you transition into getting paid for your art:

1) Make One New Thing Every Day & Share It
It doesn’t have to be a big thing, but it does have to be complete. Don’t spend half the day on it, either. Just a sketch will do. Give yourself an hour, make something cool and share it.

You might think you’ll run out of ideas, but you’re wrong. Generating one new thing each day (one sketch, one hair clip, one song, one poem, one photo, etc), primes the pump on the well of creativity. One small idea will lead to bigger ideas. Your imagination will stretch and grow. Running out of ideas is a myth. You’ll soon find you have more ideas than you have time for.

One new thing each day gives you the chance to practice, practice, practice, and improve your skills. It also builds your portfolio. Think of it: you’ll have 365 new things each year. Hopefully, you’ll have improved and learned a few new skills, too.

Creating one new thing each day proves your commitment to your art. It establishes discipline.

But creating one new thing each day is only half the job. You also have to share it. Sharing your art gives you the opportunity to receive feedback, and this is vital if you expect to make a living off your art. An easy way to do this is to get a blog, post pictures of your art and share it with the world. Let your friends know what you’re doing and invite them to take a look.

Sharing is vital to art. You should always create your art to please yourself, but you need to share it, too. Showing your art transforms it. Actors know this. Dress rehearsals are notorious for being a mess, while opening night goes off without a hitch. All art requires an audience.

You can also share your art by joining a community.

2) Join a Community
There are lots of local art communities in your area. Take a look. Volunteer at the art gallery. Help out at the library’s book sale. Offer your paintings for non-profit organizations to hang on their office walls. Look for free opportunities to share your work, while getting to know more people with the same interests.

You might view other artists as competition. Don’t. Every individual is unique. No one will make the same art, even when given the same subject. Other artists are valuable resources. They might know of opportunities that are not right for them, but might be right for you. Other artists can help you learn new techniques, expand your art skills. They can give you suggestions for improvement. They can talk in the language of your art. They can commiserate, celebrate and sympathize.

Opportunities around & near Kawartha Lakes:

If you are really in a remote area and don’t have local art communities, you could join an online community. Here are a few to get you thinking:

3) Deadlines
“Goals are dreams with deadlines” – Diana Scharf Hunt
Deadlines are an artist’s best friends. Simply defined, deadlines are time limits. Without a deadline, you could potentially work on the same piece of art forever. Without a deadline, how do you know when to stop? How do you know if you’ve grown? Deadlines are a vital part of the artist-customer relationship. If you cannot produce a piece of art on time for a customer, then that customer will find an artist who can. Art shows and craft sales also make great deadlines— reserve a booth today!

Be sure to give your art, whatever it may be, an audience and an opening night, then watch your art soar.

For more great ideas on getting a job in the arts, check out this video:

Nick Campbell - The Creative Gap: Becoming Better Than Most from Nick Campbell on Vimeo.

Additional Resources:

Photo Sources

1) "copper Maple Tree" by Paul Williams

2) Coloured Pencils

3) "Kennisis" by Bill Lishman

Essential Skills

2011-06-23T15:36:00.003-04:00

Essential Skills are skills needed to carry out tasks on a daily basis to successfully function in the workforce. All nine skills are required in every job. These nine essential skills are: Reading, Document Use, Numeracy, Writing, World Communications, Working With Others, Thinking Skills, Computer Use and Continuous Learning. All nine are used in different combinations, in different applications, in every occupation.

Use these tools to:

better understand essential skills needed for the job you are applying;
help identify essential skills strengths and areas to consider for improvement;
ensure you have the essential skills to get the job done; and
make informed training and career decisions

For more information call us at 705.328.0180 or come into VCCS at 370 Kent Street, West, Whitney Town Centre, for more information.

For more information: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/pepg/audiences/colleges/progstan/essential.html

TheStar Nearly 700 federal job cuts coming at Public Works: unions

2011-06-20T16:13:00.003-04:00

TheStar Nearly 700 federal job cuts coming at Public Works: unions

What do you think about this? the article states that the new majority Conservative government expected nearly 80, 000 public sector employees to retire over the next few years where the union heads think that number is closer to 40,000 public servants.

Comment below and let us know what you think. With the economy in recovery we are still seeing pockets of the recession and people losing work. Public Service positions were once considered very permanent and secure jobs, what do we think now?

Highlights of Qualifications

2011-06-17T14:12:00.003-04:00

Are your “Highlights of Qualifications” reflecting your most relevant skills or are they “fluff” on your resume?

Highlights of Qualifications or Skills Summary, is an extremely important section on your resume; however most job seekers are not utilizing this opportunity to sell their best skills to an employer and place themselves ahead of the competition.

Highlights of Qualifications or Skills Summary is located near the top of the resume usually below the job objective. Unfortunately, many job seekers use this section to place generic skills which take up space and do not promote their skills adequately for the job in which they are applying. It only takes a few minutes but this section of the resume should change to reflect the position in which you are applying. When deciding what to incorporate in to the Highlights or Qualifications or Skills Summary section, ask yourself: “Am I targeting the position in which I am applying?” “Is my resume standing out from the competition?” “Will employers notice my resume?”

If you are not sure if your resume is selling your skills effectively, come into VCCS Employment Services and we can show you how to best effectively sell your skills.

Fenelon Falls Community Event

2011-03-22T09:26:00.001-04:00

For more information click here...

2011-01-07T08:49:00.004-05:00

9 Questions That Will Impress Your Interviewer

John Kador, Monster Contributing Writer

Based on my interviews with dozens of recruiters, human resource professionals and job coaches, here are nine of the most memorable questions candidates can ask:

1. What exactly does this company value the most, and how do you think my work for you will further these values?

2. What kinds of processes are in place to help me work collaboratively?

3. In what area could your team use a little polishing?

4. What’s the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 60 days?

5. Can you give me some examples of the most and least desirable aspects of the company’s culture?

6. Am I going to be a mentor or will I be mentored?

7. How will you judge my success? What will have happened six months from now that will demonstrate that I have met your expectations?

8. This job sounds like something I’d really like to do — is there a fit here?

9. Now that we’ve talked about my qualifications and the job, do you have any concerns about my being successful in this position?

Use these questions as prototypes for questions based on the particulars of the position you are interviewing for. Make them your own and polish them until their shine reflects on you. Asking questions like these is not for the faint of heart but, then again, neither is succeeding in today’s competitive job market.

This article was originally published on Monster.com.

2010-12-16T10:44:00.005-05:00

How to Facebook your way into a job

Workopolis

Jenna Charlton

How often do you update your Facebook status? Or Tweet your latest revelation about your industry? How savvy are your social media skills? I ask because these skills are becoming increasingly useful for finding and landing jobs.

Social media job searching is no joke. It’s happening and there are plenty of success stories to prove it.

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, are all tools that companies, recruiters, and job seekers are using to find jobs, post jobs, and seek out potential candidates. Sure some of the opportunities that arise out of social media are serendipitous, like the bloggers that have landed book or movie deals, but it happens.

Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are networking tools. They are designed to connect you with friends, family, and employers.

It is important to note that as a job seeker, you need to exercise caution when using these tools as recreational methods of keeping in touch with friends and relatives... It is also possible to Facebook yourself right out of a job!

How many times have to you caught yourself procrastinating on Facebook?

You know what I’m talking about right?

Looking at pictures (sometimes of people you don’t know), reading status updates, finding out who’s doing what and when.

It’s addictive.

Despite the voyeur attraction of Facebook, it’s also proven to be a valuable job search too. Job searchers post status updates about the type of work they’re looking for; Employers post hiring updates.

There is more to this nosey social media tool than catching up with old friends, or looking at strangers.

But, there are boundaries and discretion is advised if you’re going to create an account, or use this application on a regular basis.

While employers may post they’re looking to hire, beware they can just as easily use Facebook to investigate and judge you based on your profile.

2010-12-09T09:18:00.001-05:00

This Friday December 10th

our office will open at 9:30am

2010-12-03T14:37:00.007-05:00

Are you working on a Second Career Application?

VCCS is offering free working sessions to help our clients to achieve their start dates. If you are currently working on an application with one of our employment counsellors you can have your questions answered at one of the following December working sessions:

December 6th

2:00pm-4:00pm

December 10th

10:00am-12:00pm

December 14th

3:00pm-4:00pm

December 16th

3:00pm-4:00pm

December 20th

10:00am-12:00pm

December 21th

10:00am-12:00pm

December 22th

10:00am-12:00pm

December 23th

10:00am-12:00pm

Registration is preferred but drop in's are welcome. Call 705-328-0180.

2010-11-22T11:54:00.003-05:00

Get Plugged In To VCCS

Want to get immediate updates on the events and programs we offer to connect you to local employers? Join us on:

Facebook

facebook.com/vccsemployment

Twitter

twitter.com/vccsemployment

Subscribe to our Blog to get instant updates sent to your email. Just enter your email address and click subscribe. careerservices.org/category/virtual-services/blog

Want to know more about these services and how they can help you find your dream job? Contact us!

705.328.0180

370 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON

career@careerservices.org

2010-11-09T15:26:00.003-05:00

CELEBRATE CAREER WEEK WITH VCCS!

–WHERE THE JOBS ARE!

This week at VCCS is devoted to bringing employers to you!

LEARN:
• What sectors are hiring in your community
• About starting your own business as a viable option
• How to access training opportunities that will build your career

TALK TO:
• Employers who are growing their business & services and hiring now
• Hiring Managers about what they look for in a resume
• An experienced tradesman and Hiring Manager about building a career in the skilled trades

MEET EMPLOYERS:
• From the Health, Education, Hospitality, Agricultural & Skilled Trade Sectors
• Have your resumes ready to provide to employers

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday November 15

10:00 am Adult Education Training Centre
2:00 pm Small Business Enterprise Centre
3:00 pm Community Futures Self Employment Benefit Program

Tuesday November 16

2:00 pm Family Health Team
3:00 pm Gail Edlinger MTCU- Apprenticeship Information

Wednesday November 17

10:00 am Wendy’s Restaurant
2:00 pm Mariposa Dairy
3:00 pm Lindsay Boys & Girls Club

Thursday November 18

11:00 am Tool & Die Making
1:00 p m Tim Horton’s

Call 705.328.0180 to reserve your seat

VCCS Employment Services 370 Kent Street West, Lindsay

2010-11-09T15:14:00.004-05:00

Employer Presentation: Crayola Canada

2010-11-04T09:25:00.003-04:00

We're open this Saturday Nov. 6th

10:00am to 1:30pm

370 Kent Street West

705.328.0180

2010-10-13T13:19:00.003-04:00

Employer Presentation: Community Care

VCCS Employment Services

October 26th at 2pm

Brenda Manion, HR Manager for Community Care will cover topics such as; agency profile, hiring needs, recruiting and selection and their community role. Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes is a health and community support agency which provides a range of services designed to promote health for all ages and independence of seniors and special needs clients.

Registration is required and seats are limited. To register contact VCCS Employment Services 705.328.0180 or career@careerservices.org

2010-10-13T08:42:00.002-04:00

Adelaide Place Employer Presentation
October 27th 2:00pm

As Adelaide Place is getting closer to opening its doors for the first time, Graham Bashford, Executive Director, will be speaking at VCCS Employment Services to offer the exciting updates.

Items discussed will include hiring updates, who would be a strong candidate, positions available, what to include in the application and an opportunity to submit your resume to Graham in person.

Registration is required and seats are limited. Contact VCCS Employment Services to reserve your seat.

705.328.0180
career@careerservices.org

2010-10-06T09:06:00.003-04:00

10 Cutting Edge Jobs
Composed by Careerbuilder.com and based on American statistics

As the world continues to advance and change technologically, we are living longer, retiring later and pursuing higher education at a higher rate than generations before us, and the employment market is changing right alongside us.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, technology is just one of the few factors in determining what's going to be the next great gig out there.

Demographic shifts, legislative changes, business trends and consumer behaviour also factor into what's going to be the next big thing and what's going to be history. Here are some of today's jobs that are on the cutting edge:

1. Radiation Therapist

What they do: Work with radiation oncologists to administer treatment as prescribed and supervised by the doctor. They also maintain records and check the operations of the radiology equipment.

What you need: An associate or bachelor's degree in radiology and certification under the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Licensing may also be required.

2. Nurse Paralegal

What they do: Similar to LNCs, they are hired to assist law firms, government agencies and insurance companies with expertise on medical-related cases. Unlike LNCs, nurse paralegals have a stronger focus on the legal relations to medicine.

What you need: A bachelor's or advanced degree in nursing or another health-related field and certification.

3. Genetic Counsellor

What they do: Assist families who have members with birth defects and other genetic disorders, and also aid in educational and administrative roles related to genetic counselling and inherited health issues.

What you need: A bachelor's degree concentrating on biology/biosciences, psychology, genetics or nursing and a master's degree in genetic counselling. The American Board of Genetic Counselling and the American Board of Medical Genetics offer certification.

4. Legal Nurse Consultant

What they do: Perform an analysis of medical information as related to law. They conduct legal research, interview expert witnesses and assist with legal paperwork and processes.

What you need: An RN license. Formal training as a legal nurse consultant (LNC) is not required, but helpful.

5. Art Therapist

What they do: Treat physical, mental and emotional disabilities through art expression.

What you need: A master's degree in art therapy with completed curriculum under the American Art Therapy Association's educational standards. To be a registered art therapist, 1,000 hours of direct client contact must be reached after graduation.

6. Computer Forensic Expert

What they do: Use computer investigation and analysis to determine legal evidence. They uncover deleted information and can help the legal system track down people attempting to cover their illegal actions, such as hackers and inside traders.

What you need: A wide range of computer hardware and software experience, as well as an associate or bachelor's degree in computer forensics, computer science or another related field.

7. Medical Illustrator

What they do: Create images that visually communicate bioscientific and medical discoveries. They also act as consultants, advisers, administrators and educators in biological science communications.

What you need: A bachelor's degree with a major in art and a minor in biological sciences or vice versa; a portfolio of artwork demonstrating competence. A majority of medical illustrators have master's degrees in medical illustration.

8. Veterinary Physical Therapist

What they do: Focus on animal treatment and rehabilitation methods, including hydrotherapy, swimming, exercise and massage.

What you need: Certification training is offered to licensed veterinarians, veterinary technicians and physical therapists. Some certification programs require written exams, and follow-up case reports, independent studies and take-home exams are also available.

9. Animal Defence Lawyer

What they do: Handle cases dealing with animals in cases ranging from custody in divorce cases to veterinary malpractice. While laws suggest that animals are regarded as "property," owners who are battling for the custody often regard their pets at a higher standard.

What you need: The educational degrees and requirements for a major in law, a Juris Doctorate, and a concentration and clinical work in animal law.

10. Animal Assisted Therapist

What they do: Study and identify behavioural patterns in animals and apply techniques to improve mental, social and physical issues within humans through animal/human companionship.

What you need: A bachelor's of science degree in psychology, social work, physical therapy, nursing or education. Additional training and certification in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a big plus. AAT program concentrations can include elderly care, social work, education and other specialties.

If you are interested in furthering your education or analysing career direction we can assist you in planning the best route. Contact VCCS Employment Services at 705-328-0180 or career@careerservices.org to get started.

2010-09-15T10:42:00.002-04:00

Crayola Canada Employer Presentation
Wednesday September 22nd, 10:00am

Learn about the types of positions available with Crayola Canada as well as what they look for in an application, opportunities for professional growth and more.

Bring your resume and covering letter and submit an application directly to the employer at the end of the presentation.

Registration is required and seats are limited. For more information contact us at:
705-328-0180 or careers@careerservices.org

2010-09-15T10:36:00.004-04:00

Our hours beginning September 7th are:

Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Upcoming Saturdays:

September 11th: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
September 25th: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
October 2nd: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
October 23rd: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
November 6th: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
November 13th: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

2010-09-07T15:24:00.004-04:00

VCCS Employment Services: New Hours

To better serve you we have changed our hours beginning September 7th:

Mon. Tues, Thurs 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Wednesday 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

Friday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

HELP US DETERMINE OUR HOURS! Click this link to take a very quick survey letting us know when you can best access our services. Three names will be drawn for a $30 gift certificate on November 19, 2010 at 9 am.

2010-09-07T15:06:00.007-04:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this September 2010

We've updated some of our workshops to better serve you.

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for September. Most of the workshops we offer are FREE. To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-08-18T13:08:00.004-04:00

Attention Students...

Looking to know how to succeed in your part-time job search through the school year? VCCS Employment Services can help with that. If your ready for that part-time job now or think you may be later in the school year, NOW is the time to start considering your approach.

Free workshops are coming next week (August 24-26)

Aug 24th Student Targeting Your Career:

It is important to focus you're job search to a specific field in order to market your skills. If your not certain what types of employment your skills and preferences are best suited to, this workshop is for YOU.

Aug 25th Student Dealing with Digital Dirt:

Online social networking sites can be helpful to your job search and, let's face it... Fun! But if you don't know a few tricks of the trade that "fun" social time could be blocking you from finding a job. This workshop will discuss the ways to avoid job search havoc and use these tools to help you find the job that fits.

Aug 26th Cash Register Basics:

The thought of working part-time in retail is a pretty sweet vision, extra money to purchase clothes and discounts! Working with and managing cash is a key skill employers are looking for. Let VCCS teach you the basics and give you an extra set of skills to add to your resume.

Don't forget to register. Simply call 705-328-0180 or email career@careerservices.org

2010-08-13T08:15:00.001-04:00

Homebuilder awarded
BRENDAN WEDLEY , EXAMINER MUNICIPAL WRITER

Local homebuilder Mason Homes is a finalist for the 2010 Ontario Home Builders' Association Ontario Green Builder of the Year award, the provincial homebuilders association announced on Wednesday.

Mason Homes has already won the Energy Star for New Homes Builder of the Year award, the Energuide Builder of the Year award, the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Home Builders Association Project of the Year award and the Green Builder of Year award from the Greater Toronto homebuilders association -Building Industry and Land Development Association.
The provincial association lists the Green Builder of the Year award as one of its prestige awards. Minto Group and Reid's Heritage Homes are the other finalists for the award.

Mason Homes is close to finishing the first phase of its 96- unit Avonlea subdivision in the north end of Peterborough, near the Hilliard St. and Franklin Dr. intersection.

Avonlea was a test case for so called "new urbanism" planning characteristics in Peterborough, such as smaller lot widths, homes built closer to the street and rear laneways.

Mason Homes incorporates high-energy efficiency, indoor air quality and water conservation features into its Green for Life homes.

It's in the planning stages for the second phase of Avonlea, which would cover the build out of more than 700 homes between Hilliard St. and Chemong Rd.

The start of construction for the second phase of the subdivision could be stalled until 2012 because city council recently decided not to add a second planning committee meeting before the end of this year, Mason Homes vice president Sean Mason has said.

With a municipal election on Oct. 25, council decided to hold its last planning committee meeting of this council term on Aug. 30.

Mason referred to the situation in Peterborough when he spoke about the honour of being a finalist for an award from the provincial association.

"It's disappointing that it comes at a time when we can't really be building in Peterborough... But it's council's decision," he said.

2010-08-06T11:56:00.001-04:00

Is Second Career right for you?

If you’ve recently been laid off and would consider retraining, Second Career could be right for you.

The strategy provides financial assistance based on individual need to help people with some of the costs associated with acquiring training, including tuition and books.

To learn more about your fit with Second Career talk to us at VCCS Employment Services:

705-328-0180
370 Kent Street West
Lindsay ON

2010-08-06T09:06:00.003-04:00

VCCS Employment Services Offers Computer Training

In today’s employment market, searching for work is no small feat especially if your computer skills are limited. Online job posting boards are becoming the new classified section and handing in a hardcopy of a resume is quickly being replaced by emailing attachments.

VCCS Employment Services is providing free classes this month that will teach you the computer skills you need:

August 16th: Introduction to Computers

(9am-11am)
August 17th: Introduction to Word

(9am-11am)
August 19th: Internet and Email

(9am-11am)
August 20th: Internet Job Searching

(9am-11am)

Registration is free. Call us at 705-324-0180 to get started.

2010-08-06T08:57:00.003-04:00

'Smart volunteering' sets you apart

Smart volunteering is about making yourself stand out from the crowd by applying your professional skills in a meaningful way that directly benefits the organization and the individual seeking full-time employment in the private sector.

Twenty-nine-year-old Kurian Jacob found himself on the job market 10 months ago after leaving his job as a business analyst with Suncor Energy Inc. as part of an IT outsourcing deal, confronting the worst job market in recent memory.

"The first part was just absolutely painful because I could have almost plastered my wall with all of the rejection letters," says Jacob. "At one point, I started scoring who had the better automated rejection letter."

That was January 2009. After getting no callbacks from employers in months, he saw a position advertised on the job board of Volunteer Calgary for the YWCA of Calgary looking for a professional with his skill set to develop a request for proposals for a fully automated payroll and human resources system.

He took on the short-term position in June and treated it like he would any corporate job.
"When I noticed the kind of work I was doing, I realized this deserves more prominence than one line on my resume saying I volunteered with the YWCA," says Jacob. "I moved it right to the top of the page as the most recent position."

Within two months, he had multiple offers. He was interviewed by Talisman Energy Inc. and recently took a job with the company as a business analyst.

"I started explaining about the role (at the YWCA) and they got more interested in the kind of stuff I was doing because it was still a technical skill I was using," he says. "I was losing touch with the business world . . . so I wanted to keep up with my skill set."

Recruiters and educators call it "smart volunteering"--aligning your professional skills in a volunteer capacity to the needs of a nonprofit for the benefit of both the organization and the individual.

"Kurian really had some things to sell when he went back to pounding the pavement and getting out there and having interviews," says Virginia Trawick, director of organizational effectiveness at the YWCA. "It shows their adaptability."

Staffing professionals and educational institutions have been telling job hunters and graduates for months now that in this highly competitive job market, you really have to go the extra mile to differentiate yourself and smart volunteering is one way of doing that.

"Smart volunteering can give you all sorts of experience, you can learn a lot on the job and it still allows you to network," says Susan Quinn, an associate professor of human resources at Mount Royal University's Bissett School of Business.

For Jacob, the result of his smart approach speaks volumes.

"It looked good on my resume, but I was doing something where I felt happy at the end of the day and actually used what I'm good at," he says. "I got to learn so much that I probably wouldn't have learned in a corporation."

Just because it's a non-profit does not mean the organization cannot get the same quality and level of service that a Fortune 500 company can get, he adds.

These types of roles tend to be short-term, project-based work that provide flexibility to the highly skilled professionals who donate their expertise, says Trawick. "The complexities of the issues we deal with creates a huge opportunity for (volunteers) to look within a different culture that's usually completely removed from the corporate world," she says. "It's an opportunity to see a different world."

Find an organization you have a passion for and a role that allows you to build or expand your skill set or one that is aligned with your existing skill set. Use the experience to incorporate into your resume. It helps make your resume stand out and provides a talking point during an interview, as it did for Jacob.

It was the frustration of so much rejection over eight months that led him to opportunity with the YWCA, but he's not looking back. He plans to follow the project through to completion, although he has reduced his involvement now that he's landed a great full-time job.

"Right now, I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in store for me here, but not forgetting . . . the YWCA," says Jacob.

2010-07-29T11:06:00.004-04:00

Apprenticeship Training Available

LIUNA Local 183 Training Centre

Application will include a covering letter and resume indicating specific skills and characteristics. VCCS Employment Services can help you with that. Contact us at 705-328-0180

CLICK HERE to view full training details

2010-07-29T10:39:00.004-04:00

Apprenticeship: Get Paid While You Train

Apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain hands on workplace experience while you work towards recognition of that training (Certification of Qualification). Usually, when we hear apprenticeship we think of trades in the construction and industrial sectors, but the truth is there are over 150 occupations that are recognized as a trade. The "Service Sector" is one that is quickly developing and includes occupations like Early Childhood Educator, Social Service Worker, Cook, and many more.

VCCS Employment Services offers General Apprenticeship Orientation at no cost. The next session will run Fri Aug 27, 11am to 12pm. Call 705-328-0180 to reserve your seat.

2010-07-27T11:47:00.004-04:00

JOB FAIR

Active Green and Ross

July 27: 9:00am to 3:00pm

Hiring Locations include:

Pickering

Ajax

Whitby

Positions Available include:

Tire and Lube Technicians

Office Assistant

Customer Service Advisors

For full details CLICK HERE

2010-07-23T08:18:00.003-04:00

The Stars 50 Best GTA Employers
Toronto Star: June 18, 2010

For the best employers in the Greater Toronto Area, it all comes down to say, stay and strive.

It’s about having employees who love their company so much that they recommend it to others, rarely think of leaving and strive to do their best.“Our whole point of view is that it’s really employees who know whether they’re working at a good place or not,” says Neil Crawford, principal with Hewitt Associates in Toronto and leader for the annual Best Employers in Canada survey.

About 250 to 300 private and public sector companies from all major industries, sectors and regions register for the study, which is conducted alongside the Queen’s Centre for Business Venturing at the Queen’s School of Business.The Best Small and Medium Employers in Canada study is for organizations with 50 to 399 permanent employees, while the Best Employers in Canada study is for those with 400 or more permanent employees.Companies that have been open for business for three years or more are eligible.

There are three elements: a survey that goes out to either all employees or a random sampling; a slightly different survey for the chief executive and his or her direct reports; and information provided by the company about their industry, benefits and compensation packages.There is no cost to participate and all companies get valuable feedback. The top ones gain national exposure through the best employers ranking, such as the Toronto Star’s Best 50 GTA Employers. Those that don’t make the list are not publicly identified.For the Greater Toronto ranking, Hewitt culls the national survey looking for companies with a local presence.

Ultimately, the study gauges how much of the company’s workforce can be described as engaged, Crawford says. That refers to employees speaking positively about their company, their eagerness to be part of the organization and the degree to which they are inspired by leadership, the culture and what the company is doing for stakeholders and customers.“The bottom line is that when you have high engagement, good things happen in an organization,” Crawford said.

He likens engagement to the difference between a functional and a dysfunctional family. “For a dysfunctional family to move to some higher level of functioning, they have to bear their soul or go through a transformation in terms of thinking and relating to one another, and that’s hard,” he says.

By contrast, organizations that make the list “seem to have it factored into their DNA. But when you get out there and start talking to them, you see that they work really hard at it. But it’s much easier to continue to work at something when you know what it looks like and what the benefits are.”Across the entire study, engagement levels range from 25 to 90 per cent, with the average running at about 60 per cent. The best employers come in at about 70 to 90 per cent.

More than a decade of research into what makes companies tick shows that size does not affect engagement levels, Crawford says.“We see low and high (engagement scores) in the small study and the large study,” he said.

“Large employers say, ‘Oh well, if you’re smaller it’s easier to have higher engagement.’ And small employers say, ‘If you’re large you have the money and the resources to help people have high engagement.’ Both are wrong, and both are right at the same time.”

In fact, engagement starts at the top. “It’s really about what the leadership is doing. Are they effective? Are managers showing people why their work is valuable and talking to them about their future in the organization? Are the ways that work gets done effective?” Crawford says. “It can certainly help to have lots of flexibility in rewards and benefits programs, but it’s not just about the pool tables and shade-grown coffee. That doesn’t create engagement.”

During the recession, companies with already-high engagement levels typically saw an increase, and vice versa.“It’s kind of what you expect,” Crawford says. “The organizations that went into the recession with strength in engagement, they had their people with them. Employees trusted their leaders, the communication is working and there’s a greater sense of teamwork. If they did have to restructure and terminate employees, they did it in the best way they possibly could.”

Click here to view the list.

2010-07-15T08:52:00.006-04:00

Job Fair for General Electric Peterborough Location

July 20th, Ajax

Click the image below to view full description

2010-07-14T08:47:00.003-04:00

Personality Dimensions

Friday, July 15th, 2010

9am to 12pm

Personality Dimensions is a new, dynamic tool based on leading-edge research into human motivation and behaviour in people. This fun, interactive workshop can help you understand yourself and others better.

All are welcome, students and adults.

This workshop is free.

Limited seating is available and registration required.

Call 705-328-0180 to reserve your seat.

2010-07-13T16:18:00.004-04:00

FREE Student Workshop: Success at Work

July 14th

1pm-4pm 370 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON

This workshop will look at shining in the interview process, how to make a winning first impression and methods of accessing job opportunities beyond the posting board.

Registration is required. Please contact VCCS Employment Services at 705-328-0180

2010-07-13T15:34:00.002-04:00

Toronto Star: Job growth tops forecast
Sharon Singleton

Canada's economy added about five times as many jobs as expected in June, suggesting the recovery hasn't lost its momentum despite recent disappointing growth data.

Employers hired 93,000 workers in the month, with the jobless rate falling to 7.9%, Statistics Canada said. It was the first time the unemployment rate has dropped below 8% since January 2009. Economists had been looking for a gain of about 18,000 jobs. The rosy job data boosted expectations for another hike in interest rates later this month, sending the Canadian dollar up by about 1% against its U.S. counterpart.

Canada has now recouped nearly all of the jobs that were lost during the recession, unlike south of the border, where the recovery is failing to bring down the unemployment rate. Adjusting for population, Canada has created 4 million jobs since July 2009 compared with 176,000 in the U.S., according to TD Bank Financial. "There's no arguing with this strong report," said BMO Capital Markets economist Benjamin Reitzes. "The jobs picture clearly shows that the Canadian recovery hasn't stalled yet, despite signs of slowing momentum in the U.S. and other economies."

Ontario and Quebec accounted for nearly all the gains, with 90,000 jobs created in the two provinces, it said. Reitzes said some of the Ontario gains may have been due to hiring for the G8 and G20 summits held last month. There were also healthy gains in percentage terms in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan, while jobs declined in Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick, it said. The job gains in June were split between full and part-time workers with big increases in sectors such as the service industries, retail, business, health care and automotive repair, StatsCan said.

The private sector added 51,900 new jobs, taking the total created by businesses to 246,200 in the past four months. The health of private sector hiring bodes well for Canada's economic recovery as the impact of government stimulus spending begins to wane, economists said.
That said, job growth may slow in the second half in line with the slowing economy, TD Bank economist Diana Petramala said in a note. "Leading indicators suggest economic momentum is starting to cool to a pace of 2.5-3.5%, down from the 5-6% growth rates in the previous quarters," she said.

2010-07-02T11:09:00.002-04:00

Local Economic News

Office building planned for empty corner lot
GALEN EAGLE, EXAMINER

A local developer has plans to build a three-storey office building in the vacant lot at the corner of Stewart and Charlotte streets.

The building, which would be about 9,000 square feet, would house retail stores on the ground level and office space in the upper two storeys, city land-use planner Caroline Kimble said.

Parking lots would be built along the side and back of the building, she added.
Suncor Energy Inc. owns the empty lot, which was once a gas station, and Seven Hills Developments has applied for rezoning of the property.

The city has accepted the application, which now moves onto the public consultation phase and will require a public meeting in the future.

Tourism gets a boost
The Province is spending nearly $2.5 million on regional tourism over the next two years

(PETERBOROUGH) To develop a regional tourism organization for Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland, the Province is going to spend nearly $2.5 million over the next two years.

The money is part of $65 million being distributed across the province.
MPP Jeff Leal says, in a media release, the money will help spur economic activity, investments, and development in the community.

An interim group of tourism industry operators, regional tourism professionals, and regional economic development professionals will manage the money and lead tourism marketing and development projects. The new organization should be in place in 2011.

The Province is also giving $440,000 to the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Peterborough Destination Association, to increase marketing for Peterborough and the Kawartha's Tourism.

2010-07-02T09:53:00.004-04:00

Free Student Workshops are Gearing Up at VCCS

Exams are over and the sun is shining… and now is the time to get a head start on your summer job search. The good news is, VCCS is here to help.

We offer many services to students, and beginning July 12 we are adding Student Workshops to the mix.

July 12th:
Start Your Summer Job Search (1-4pm)
July 13th:
Student Smart Serve (9-12pm) $25 certification fee
Student Resume Development (1-4pm)
July 14th:

Student Success at Work (9-3pm)

Workshops are FREE. Registration is required and seats are limited. Call to register or ask questions at 705-328-0180.

2010-06-30T13:55:00.002-04:00

VCCS Employment Services will be closed for Canada Day: Thursday July 1st

and will re-open Friday July 2nd 8:00am to 4:30pm

2010-06-23T10:23:00.002-04:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this July 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for July. Most of the workshops we offer are FREE. To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-06-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

Renewable energy projects focus of upcoming meeting
Lisa Gervais, Lindsay Post

KAWARTHA LAKES - The first of six proposed renewable energy projects for the city will be presented during a public meeting on Wednesday, June 30 in Cambray.

SkyPower Ltd. is behind the Glenarm Solar Power Project, a 10 MV capacity facility in the Glenarm area. This project is not anticipated to create any of the controversy swirling about proposed wind turbines in the Pontypool and Bethany areas.

However, anyone interested in learning more about it can attend the meeting, between 6 and 8 p.m. at the Fenelon Township Community Centre, 2255 Elm Tree Rd., Cambray. According to the on-line description for the recent FIT-awarded project, the proposed site is 169 hectares on part of Lot 11&12, Concession 6 on private land. Construction could begin in August 2011 and take six to nine months to complete. The project has an expected life span of more than 25 years.

"Solar power derived from the sun will be used to generate electricity at the renewable energy generation facility," the company's website states. "The purpose is to supply solar energy to help meet Ontario's existing and growing electricity needs, and to address the consumer demand for cleaner energy sources."

It is expected that approximately 50,000 to 200,000 PV panels - ranging from 60 to 200 watts each - will be installed. They will be mounted to a ground racking system using galvanized steel support structures. Panels will be aligned in rows approximately 20 feet apart.

The company said there would be "minimal impact on the natural environment."
City residents are still awaiting word on five other projects: Simcoe Solar Energy Centre I and III in Woodville, Settlers Landing Wind Park in Pontypool, Snowy Ridge Wind Park in Bethany and Ballyduff Wind Farm in Pontypool.

How it works
- Photovoltaic panels will be the technology used to convert solar radiation into electricity.
- Direct Current (DC) electricity generated from the panels will be collected and converted into Alternating Current (AC) electricity by inverters. Solar panels create DC electricity which is then converted to AC electricity which is suitable for distribution.
- From the inverters, the electricity will be metered and transferred into the grid.
-lgervais@thepost.ca

2010-06-18T09:33:00.005-04:00

The Good Food Box: Service Presentation
Monday June, 21st
10:00am

VCC Employment Services

A representative from the local Health Unit will be coming in to discuss to both staff and registered clients what exactly "The Good Food Box" program is all about. In today’s changing times, money can be tight but eating healthy is important to fuel your job search. The Good Food Box program is a promising way to meet both of those needs. For questions or to attend contact us at 705-328-0180.

2010-06-09T14:58:00.008-04:00

The Presentation Series for Adelaide Place Retirement Community was a Huge Success!

Yesterday was the final day for the series of presentations discussing the employment opportunities that will be available at Adelaide Place Retirement Community. Graham Bashford, the Executive Director of Adelaide Place discussed the specifics of the positions he will be hiring for, including roles and responsibilities as well as what he looks for in an applicant.

Bashford also discussed the milieu he plans to develop within the community as a place for seniors to "retire in style" at an affordable rate and stressed the importance of a strong and willing team. "Good fit in personalities is so important" Graham stressed.

The 4 presentations provided about 200 applicants the opportunity to hear from Graham and the VCCS team is very pleased to have had the opportunity to participate in the buzz around a viable addition to the local community.

For more information on how to apply to Adelaide Place contact us at VCCS Employment Services, 705-328-0180, or drop in and see us at 370 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON.

2010-06-08T11:11:00.005-04:00

We've Published Our May Newsletter.

See below to read one of the articles. Check out what else is happening with VCCS and the local employment market. Click here to view the complete Newsletter.

The Job Market: Issues Facing the Older Worker

Unfortunately, bad things can and do happen and getting downsized, right sized or laid off, finding a new job after years of employment is a daunting task.

Statiscally speaking

The proportion of older workers in the Canadian work force is growing significantly. It is forecast that the population aged 45 to 64 will represent 48% of the working-age population by 2015.

Recruitment of younger workers is becoming more difficult, as employers are competing for a lower number of candidates

Studies show that most employers do not target older workers to fill their positions

The emerging large group of older workers who are unemployed initially entered the workforce by leaving school at 16 or by immigrating to Canada. Whether displaced, retired or downsized these individuals are finding that looking for work in these times has drastically changed.

A resume and cover letter are necessary tools. Basic computer skills are increasingly necessary as many postings are on various electronic job banks and resumes are mostly sent via email or downloaded on company websites.

This group is also learning that the skills that they are rightfully proud of - stability, working independently, and the willingness and ability to follow instructions precisely, while still important, have taken a back seat to what employers today consider as in demand skills coping with constant change, teamwork, continuous learning, and technological skills which were unknown a generation ago.

Older workers are also generally faced with the necessity of upgrading skills such as computers, completion of high school and in many cases post secondary education is required.

The other issue during times of economic downturn is that when looking for another position, the question is: What will get you in front of the interviewer? Many job seekers tamper with past experience and this could be a trap for both you and the employer. If the result is you do get the job, it could leave you bored or disgruntled after a few months. And for the employer, it is not a great scenario to hire someone who is overqualified for the position only to have them jump ship as soon as the job market loosens. A different tactic is to create that new resume, making it clear exactly what you are looking for. Use all of your experience to tell a prospective employer why you will make his/her operation more successful

2010-06-08T08:19:00.002-04:00

VCCS Employment Services Annual General Meeting

June 23rd 2010 at 3pm

Click here for your invitation!

2010-06-04T09:34:00.003-04:00

Canada ‘pumping out jobs,’ according to employment numbers

Emily Mathieu Business Reporter
Toronto Star

Employment was up across Ontario last month, with a reported increase of 18,000 full time positions and growth for the year reported, slightly higher than the national average.

Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey showed the boost in May brought employment gains in the province of 127,000 since July 2009, or an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to national growth of 1.8 per cent. In Ontario the unemployment rate edged up 0.1 per cent in May to 8.9 per cent overall, the report showed.

Across the country employment was up 25,000 in May, the fifth consecutive month of reported employment gains. The unemployment rate was static at 8.1 per cent. Since the beginning of July 2009 national employment has risen 1.8 per cent or 310,000.

“Canada’s recovery has outperformed expectations with the labour market pumping out jobs at a healthy clip as the economy grew at a stronger-than-expected pace in both the fourth quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010,” said Dawn Desjardins, assistant chief economist of RBC Capital Markets.

Canada’s unemployment rate will continue to drift lower, but will likely remain above pre-recession levels as workers “who became discouraged during the economic downturn, return to the labour force,” said Desjardins.

The majority of May’s overall growth was among women aged 55 and older, with a reported increase of 17,000. Since July 2009 the fastest rate of employment growth has been documented among men 55 and older, with an increase of 5 per cent with women in the same age group coming second with a reported in crease of 3.1 per cent.

Average hourly wages during the month rose 2.4 per cent, following a trend in recent months, according to the report.

The number of full-time positions were up 67,000 in the month and were partly offset by losses of 43,000 part time jobs. Full time employment has made up the majority of gains since July 2009, the report showed.

In the private sector the number of employees rose 43,000 in May, adding to a total increase of 2.8 per cent since July 2009 with most of the gains in recent months.

The number of self-employed workers dropped 28,000. Since July the number of self-employed Canadians has dropped 2.3 per cent, while employment in the private sector has increased by 2.2 per cent during that same period.

Gains were reported in transportation and warehousing, up 26,000; health care and social assistance, up 18,000; public administration and agriculture, up 13,000 and 9,000 respectively.

Declines were recorded in information, culture and recreation, down 25,000; accommodation and food services, down 22,000; and a decline of 11,000 in natural resources, the report showed.
Manufacturing and construction showed little change in May, the report showed. Since July 2009 an increase of 7.3 per cent, or an increase in employment of 83,000, has been reported in construction.

Alberta, Newfoundland, Labrador and Nova Scotia all reported gains, while declines were reported in British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.

Across the country, employment for women between the ages of 25 and 54 has risen by 1.7 per cent and 1 per cent for men, since July 2009. During that same period youth employment rose 1.6 per cent.

Because the majority of youth employment takes place between May and August an accurate assessment of the youth labour market will not be available until later in the summer.

However, the report showed a 54,000 increase in employment among students aged 20 to 40 in May, boosting the overall employment rate up 3.1 per cent to 59.2 per cent compared to May 2009,the report showed. Despite the gains the student employment rate remains below the rate of 63.6 per cent in May 2008.

In May, Alberta reported gains in employment for the second month on a row, up 15,000 and lowering the unemployment rate to 6.6 per cent. Overall employment across the province has gone up 0.5 per cent since July 2009.

In Newfoundland and Labrador employment was up 7,600, with the overall unemployment rate down 1.2 per cent to 13.8 per cent.

Nova Scotia reported an increase of 3,500 people employed, bringing total growth since July 2009 to 1.5 per cent.

Quebec reported little change last month in employment, the unemployment rate was 8 per cent, the report showed. Since July 2009, employment growth in Quebec has been the fastest in the country, at 2.3 per cent. In British Columbia employment dropped 10,000 and Price Edward Island reported a decline of 1,900 in May.

2010-06-03T15:53:00.004-04:00

This SATURDAY VCCS Employment Services is OPEN!

Make use of our Resource Room Services Saturday June 5th from 10:00am to 1:00pm

2010-06-02T15:08:00.000-04:00

Private security firm hiring for G8/G20 summits
The National Post, Kenyon Wallace

Private security firm Contemporary Security Canada has announced that it has been awarded the contract to provide “security screening services” for June’s G8 and G20 summits.

The Vancouver-based company has taken out ads in Toronto publications encouraging individuals to apply for G8/G20 security positions that pay between $20 and $24 an hour. The ads also promise uniforms, meals and benefits.

Interviews are being held at the Humber College School of Performing Arts starting today until June 7.

Contemporary Security Canada was selected by Public Works and Government Services Canada and the RCMP to provide security during the Vancouver Winter Olympics. The company’s website says that close to 5,000 people were hired to provide security at the games, including First Nations, students and retired police officers and firefighters.

The value of the contract to provide security during the G8/G20 summits has not been disclosed.

2010-06-01T12:58:00.003-04:00

Restaurant, gas station planned for Pontypool
Lisa Gervais, Lindsay Post

A new restaurant, convenience store and gas station is planned to open in August at the site of the former auto shop on Pontypool Road.

The Kawartha Lakes Rd. 12 development is the brainchild of long time Pontypool resident, Roy Gaynor.

Gaynor told the post it would be an “ultramodern, full facility.” The plan is for a Country Style donut outlet and an XTR Gas station with gas and diesel as well as convenience store. Gaynor is building the facility but plans to lease it out.

He is banking on the venture saying there are not many service stations en route to Lindsay and Peterborough once motorists depart gasoline alley. He anticipates getting a lot of vehicular traffic coming north off the 401 as well as a lot of Peterborough motorists coming off of the 115.

He said the local response to the project had been “more than favourable. Everybody is anxious for it.”

It hasn’t been an easy street for this development. There have been a few planning and rezoning headaches as the property, at 232 John Street, is in the Oak Ridges Moraine.

However, Gaynor was recently successful in getting the Holding symbol from schedule “A” of the moraine zoning by-law 2005-133 removed.

“We’re building it,” he said.

2010-05-31T10:17:00.005-04:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this June 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for June. Most of the workshops we offer are FREE. To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-05-11T12:07:00.002-04:00

It’s a case study in evolution

Simon Houpt, Globe and Mail

A little over a decade ago, newspapers were lumbering giants, fat with profits and complacency, when some nimble startup companies in what was then known as “new media” knocked them sideways by stealing away their classified ads. Online job boards like Monster.com and HotJobs.com sprouted up, exploding with listings as Help Wanted ads in print shrivelled away.
Some newspaper companies embraced the wave: In the U.S., a trio of publishers launched CareerBuilder.com, while investors in the largest Canadian job board, Workopolis, included the parent companies of The Globe and Mail and The Toronto Star.

Now those job sites are preparing to hold on for a wild ride of their own. (The Globe sold its share of Workopolis in late 2006.) Because even as the labour market goes through its own convulsions in the wake of the recession, those boards are coming under threat from the newest wave in new media. Employers and new hires are meeting on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.

“The original value proposition was to offer a faster, easier, and cheaper solution than newspaper advertising,” explained Gabriel Bouchard, the president of Workopolis. “That is obviously not the case any more.” In the last two years, he says, social networking sites have gone from a zero share of the job search market to the equivalent of one-quarter of the volume that online job boards handle.

2010-05-07T09:43:00.002-04:00

Gamiing Nature Centre gets $29,120

Local MP Barry Devolin on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today (Friday) announced $29,120 for the Gamiing Nature Centre.
The funding, provided through the Career Focus program, will be used to help two recent post-secondary graduates gain real experience and apply the skills they acquired through their education at the Gamiing Nature Centre.

"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said Devolin. "Our government is proud to support projects that offer post-secondary graduates the opportunity to develop the skills and gain the experience that will help them reach their full potential.

"On behalf of the board, staff, volunteers and the community, I would like to express our appreciation for the continuing financial support of Service Canada," said Mieke Schipper, volunteer executive director, Gamiing Nature Centre. "We have been working together for the last few years and the funding has allowed us to hire quality college and university graduates for internships both benefiting them and our organization. Gamiing Nature Centre would not have been able to offer the outdoor education programs and lakeshore and forestry projects without this funding."

Gamiing Nature Centre is a not-for-profit charitable organization that focuses on education and hands-on demonstrations of ecologically sound practices related to lakes and lakeshores. The organization works with individuals, community groups and other interested parties to further understanding of and participation in practices that balance human needs with the needs of wildlife and natural lake ecosystems.

Career Focus is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. For more information about the Career Focus program, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O-Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.

2010-05-05T11:04:00.008-04:00

Employer Presentation:
Adelaide Place Retirement Community

Wednesday May 26 at 10:00 am OR 2:00 pm

Registration is required. Contact VCCS Employment Services at 705-328-0180 to secure your seat.

This is your opportunity to gain the "inside scoop". Know what positions are available before the doors even open. Be sure to bring a covering letter and resume because this is your chance to shake hands and make a great first impression!

Adelaide Place Retirement Community is geared toward
the independent active senior.

Department Head Roles:

Marketing Director

Activity Coordinator

Business Manager

Wellness Director (RN)

Maintenance Coordinator

Executive Chef

Hourly Roles:

Reception

Care Providers & PSW`s

Housekeeping team

Cooks and Prep Cooks

Dining Room Servers

Activity program support

Dishwasher

2010-05-04T11:01:00.005-04:00

This May and June

VCCS Employment Services will have new hours

Monday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Tuesday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Wednesday 8:00am to 5:30pm

Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Saturdays

May 15th 10:00am to 1:00pm

June 5th 10:00am to 1:00pm

June 12th 10:00am to 1:00pm

2010-04-29T09:44:00.003-04:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this May 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for May. Most of the workshops we offer are FREE. To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-04-13T10:08:00.001-04:00

New owners take over Rosedale landmark
LISA GERVAIS, LINDSAY POST

ROSEDALE-A landmark on Hwy. 35 in Rosedale has reopened after a four-month closure.
Carmen and Sigi Battista have purchased the iconic Trading Post. They re-opened the business on March 12.
Sigi said the locals are "very happy to see it's open again.
"Local people have come in to greet us and have brought us flowers and plants." She said it is the best business welcome the couple had ever received.
Carmen was born in Toronto and the couple owned a meat distribution company in Mississauga. After that, they lived in BC for 13 years where they owned a deli and then a restaurant. They returned to Ontario to retire and chose Cameron in 2007. They then decided to return to the work force and found and fell in love with the Trading Post.
They have walked into a diverse business, as is the nature of trading posts. They still have a small general store with candies; a restaurant/deli with baking, meats and cheeses and soon-to-be added salads. Kawartha Dairy ice cream and milk will remain. There is the same huge variety of giftware, which includes canoes, kayaks and paddleboats as well as outdoor furniture.
A key draw, particularly for the kids, is the longest g-scale train set in Canada which runs for half-a-kilometre inside the Trading Post.
The Battistas are also planning to implement a service whereby people from Toronto heading to their cottages can order their dinner ahead of time and pick it up on the way through. The BBQ pit, with its aromatic hamburgers and other take-away food, will also be back in business outside. They make homemade soups, chilis, roast beefs and stews.
Sigi said she will carry on the tradition of "very much pushing local products, from food to artists." And, every Sunday night, antique cars will take part in a cruise night.
Carmen said March had been quiet, which had been expected, and it is giving the new business owners an opportunity to get "the little kinks out" and get ready for what promises to be a very busy summer ahead.
Their goal?
"To see it flourish again," Carmen said.

2010-04-13T09:43:00.003-04:00

Job Finding Club...

What's a Job Finding Club? JFC is an intensive job searching workshop ensuring that you have covered all the grounds and put them into practice. Create your self-marketing tools with the support of an employment counsellor, learn about the hidden job market... and how to access it, identify your strengths and have fun while you’re at it!

There is so much more to this group and it's free. We have just started a session, but contact VCCS Employment Services by April 14th and we can fit you into the group. Call 705-328-0180 to inquire.

2010-04-12T16:04:00.005-04:00

Summer is well on it's way and lot's is happening at VCCS

Check out our job board to see our Student postings and learn about local opportunities for summer employment. And check back often because we're just getting started!

Check in with us to learn about ALL of your options like Summer Company (be your own boss) and employment opportunites with the City of Kawartha Lakes and the City of Peterborough.

Call or come on in!

705-328-0180

370 Kent Street West (Whitney Town Centre)

Linday ON

2010-04-09T15:02:00.001-04:00

$1.55M boost for industry
KENNEDY GORDON , EXAMINER

The federal government's investment in the area's manufacturing sector will lead to job growth, Peterborough MP Dean Del Mastro said Thursday.
Del Mastro announced $1.55 million in funding that will be used to help manufacturing firms add workers.

"I think it's something we all feel we need to accomplish, as a group, as a region, which is to stem the flow of young people, of skilled people, needing to leave this region to find meaningful, gainful employment," Del Mastro said.

The funds will be used for the $3.1 million Tri-Association Manufacturers Initiative, a new program being administered by the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation (GPAEDC) in co-operation with economic development agencies in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Quinte and Northumberland County.

"This initiative is expected to assist more than 40 companies and result in more than 1,000 employee training occurrences," said Laura Lauzon, the GPAEDC's director of manufacturing.
"It is also expected to create a total of 300 jobs across the four regions."
The news was welcomed by the Kawartha Manufacturers Association, one of the three groups partnering in the program. The Quinte Manufacturers Association and the Northumberland Manufacturers Association are the others.

"We have, as three associations, been working together for some time now in order to raise the level of awareness for manufacturing in Eastern Ontario, to move back to the type of position we were in a number of years ago," said Kawartha Manufacturers Association chairman Tom Sayer. "At the turn of the century, Peterborough was a real hub for industry."
The initiative will operate until March 31, 2011, Lauzon said. Each association will receive a maximum of $500,000. The program will provide 50% funding to manufacturing employers who undertake third-party employee training and/or a $1,000 rebate to manufacturers who hire youth interns or displaced workers.

"It's going to have a significant impact not just here in Peterborough, but across the region," said GPAED C president Andy Mitchell.

Partners from neighbouring regions were on hand for the announcement.
"The concept of thinking regionally and acting locally is certainly of tremendous benefit," said Dan Borowec, economic development director in Northumberland County.
"As an attraction strategy for potential new investment, it's huge."

The various groups working together demonstrate the closeness of the four regions, said Mike Hewitt, co-ordinator of the Quinte Manufacturing Resource Centre.

"What happens in one community impacts another community," he said.

The funds come from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, also called FedDev Ontario. It's the second FedDev Ontario funding announcement in as many days for Del Mastro, who gave $775,000 to the consulting engineering firm D.M. Wills on Wednesday. The company will put the funds towards the construction of its new headquarters.

Del Mastro said FedDev Ontario was formed with a $1 billion from Ottawa in the wake of the global economic crisis. Its goal is to reduce the impact of the economic downturn on Ontario jobs.
"The history of this region is that of a manufacturing hub, an economic hub, a hub of activity, of innovation, a place where dreams were met, where people felt this was a place of opportunity," Del Mastro said.

"We're working to regenerate that spark, to make this city burn as bright as it ever did, to make this region burn as bright as it ever did."

2010-04-01T10:44:00.002-04:00

Don't forget that the Ontario minimum wage has increased!

As of March 31 2010:

General minimum wage is now $10.25

Student minimum wage is now $9.60 and

Server minimum wage is now $8.90

Want to know more about the minimum wage increase? Call VCCS Employment Services 705-328-0180

2010-03-30T10:30:00.002-04:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this April 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for April. Most of the workshops we offer are FREE. To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-03-24T14:23:00.001-04:00

Highest-ever fundraising total for United Way
Dave Flaherty, Lindsay Post

LINDSAY - Despite not quite reaching its goal for the 2009 campaign, the United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has raised it highest total ever.

The agency announced it has raised $447,737.34 so far at its 'touchdown' event on Tuesday at VCCS Employment Services in Lindsay.

United Way executive director Penny Barton Dyke said the campaign will continue to climb with one last event Saturday at 7:30 at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.

It will be a fundraising hockey game with the Protectors playing the Lindsay Pastimers. The total was unveiled by a group of local children who were able to build a basketball court in their neighbourhood with leadership and support from the United Way.

Barton Dyke told the group gathered at the touchdown it was fitting to hold the announcement at VCCS. "This is where people start to raise their confidence and get a different career path," Barton Dyke said. "It's just a prime example of the commitment of our agencies."

There are some misconceptions about the United Way, including that it only serves Lindsay or money raised for the campaign is then shipped off to Toronto, she said. "Money raised in the City of Kawartha Lakes stays here," Barton Dyke said. She was proud to able to say the local United Way receives only 9% to 13% of its capital money from fundraising.
The government mandates not-for-profit organizations should run at a 20% rate, and most run at 25%, Barton Dyke said.

To drive home the impact United Way agencies can have, the touchdown event featured guest speakers.

One was Debbie Hamilton, who spoke about how her son Cameron has benefited from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kawartha Lakes-Haliburton. Hamilton lost her husband to cancer which was quite hard on her son, she said. "He was grief-stricken and left with a hole in his life," Hamilton said. "He was holding onto memories of his dad." Hamilton said she realized she was unable to fill both roles of father and mother, and her son needed a positive male role model in his life. He was soon matched up with a Big Brother named Wesley. "Wesley has become family and the positive role model Cameron needed," Hamilton said. "Without the United Way, agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters would not be such a large part of the community."
-dflaherty@thepost.ca

2010-03-19T09:29:00.001-04:00

Summer company program now taking applications for 2010

The Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre (KLSBEC) is looking for youth who want to be their own boss this summer.

Applications are currently accepted for the Summer Company program 2010. The program is an opportunity for students aged 15 to 29 to start and run their own summer business.

Summer Company offers an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and make some money at the same time. It is a provincial government initiative, which is run locally by the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Enterprise Centre.

"We're pleased to be able to assist our local students in creating their own work opportunities, especially during this time of high unemployment," said Diane Steven, manager of KLSBEC. "It is a great chance to experience life as an entrepreneur, but in a risk-free environment."
Those who are approved for the program are eligible for up to $3,000 in funding to start their ventures. They meet with mentors and attend classes to help with various aspects of business such as marketing and bookkeeping. The online application and completed business plan deadline is Thursday, May 6.

Applying to the Summer Company program is a competitive process, space is limited and the program reaches capacity quickly so those interested are encouraged to apply now by visiting www.ontario.ca/summer-companyor contact KLSBEC at 324-9411 ext. 1283 or info@klsbec.ca.

2010-03-19T08:55:00.004-04:00

New plant to create 60 jobs

By Lisa Gervais, Lindsay Post

A wood pellet plant near Kirkfield will create about 60 new jobs when it opens later this Spring.
Woodville Pellet Corporation is a private enterprise that includes the backing of prominent Bobcaygeon businessman Charlie Pitcher.

The plan is to initially produce 60,000 tons of wood pellets, using wood waste material, for heating to the Ontario market. Woodville Pallet Corporation vice-president sales and marketing, Bruce Nagy, shared details with The Lindsay Post this week.

Nagy said the company hopes to create more than 60 new jobs in the first year of operation and up to 80-plus jobs by year three when output is expected to double. The jobs are in the plant and in transportation. "It's all new jobs although a handful of people have been on the payroll for a few months," Nagy said.

He added the total did not include temporary construction jobs. The company's request for a rezoning application - to build a new 2,323 sq.m. material storage building and eventually a 524 sq. m. extension to the east side of an existing warehouse building - comes before council on March 23.

Nagy is hopeful the company can start advertising positions in six weeks' time, hire 20 people "right off the bat" and hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony as early as May. In the meantime, the private investors are chasing government money in the hopes of a partnership.

"I think it's obvious that the various governments are very interested in getting involved in new economy businesses and this is very much a new economy business," Nagy said. He said the slowdown in the building industry in the USA has had a direct effect on lumber mills in Ontario, Quebec and BC.

He said governments are looking for alternatives and a wood pellet plant in BC is being jointly funded by the private sector, economic stimulus money and a bank. Nagy said he is very excited about the Kirkfield area plant but is also exercising cautious optimism "because the schedule keeps getting pushed back."However, he thinks that is about to change.

"Three months from now I think we will have pellets coming out of the plant."

2010-03-17T14:15:00.003-04:00

Real Local Success!
Andrew Cunday

Andrew Cunday Came to VCCS in the summer of 2009 seeking an employer to aid him in continuing his apprenticeship as an Automotive Service Technician. He had gained experience with his previous employer through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) which allows high school students to gain apprenticeship hours while simultaneously obtaining co-op credits towards their high school diploma.

Through the OYAP program, Andrew gained valuable workplace experience and on-the-job training in an automotive repair shop. Andrew had a desire to continue his learning as he had an obvious knack for mechanical work. Through the assistance of Job Connect and Job Development Placement Services he was able to access a subsidized training placement with Dalemar Sales and Service in Oakwood.

Dalemar owner Bob Bassett saw potential in Andrew as a small engine mechanic apprentice due to his experience working with cars and trucks. Andrew is now registered as an apprentice small engine mechanic and continues to use his transferable skills as he becomes a valuable member of the Dalemar team, gaining important knowledge and skills for a long term career in the trade.

2010-03-17T14:09:00.002-04:00

Employer Presentation:
Global Human Resources

Tuesday March 23 at 2:00 pm

Registration is FREE

Contact: VCCS Employment Services
370 Kent Street West, Lindsay ON
705-328-0180
www.careerservices.org

2010-03-01T16:02:00.006-05:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this March 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for March.
Most of the workshops that we offer are at no cost.
To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-02-26T12:25:00.004-05:00

East Central Farm Show returning to Lindsay fairgrounds

DAVE FLAHERTY, LINDSAY POST

Farmers from all over central Ontario will converge to the Farmers' Mutual Exhibition Building at the Lindsay Fairgrounds next week. The 30th annual East Central Farm Show, presented by the East Central Soil and Crop Improvement Association, will take place Wednesday, March 3 from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Show manager Don Oliver told The Lindsay Post there would be 146 exhibitors at the show this year. He said 2,500 people attended the show in 2009, a number he would like to see grow. The East Central region covers the City of Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Haliburton County, York Region and Durham Region. The show will feature a wide variety of displays including farm machinery, credit unions, feed dealers, insurance companies and seed dealers amongst others. Admission is $5, or free for those with a 2010 Soil and Crop memberships.

Soil and Crop memberships can be purchased for $15. Oliver said benefits of having a membership include entrance into other farm shows, four newsletters and access to bus tours and demonstrations across the province at no charge. The East Central Farm Show began in 1981 at the Manvers Community Centre then moved to the Fenelon Hall in Cambray in 1983 before moving to the Morrow Building Peterborough in 1992. The last three shows have taken place in Lindsay. Oliver said the move has allowed for more exhibitors and made it easier for people from York and Durham to attend the show.

He said he believes they have a good buzz surrounding the inshow.
"Everyone is looking for optimism for farming and agriculture in general," Oliver said.

More information on the show can be found at www.regionalscia.org/ECFS.html. - dflaherty@thepost.ca

2010-02-22T15:50:00.005-05:00

This March Break:

Get a Head Start on Your Job Search

We will be offering free student workshops to make sure that you have all the right tools to kick off your job search. Preparing for summer employment NOW will give you a leading edge in what can be a competitive time in seeking summer employment.

Be sure to contact VCCS and get registered.

March 15 1-4pm
Start Your Summer Job Search
the basics of looking for a job

March 16 9-12
Student Resume Development

March 16 1-4
Student Myers Briggs (w Deb Csumrik)

March 17 1-4pm
Success at Work for Students
(or how to not get fired)

March 18 9-12
Cash Register Basics for Students

Can't make it this week? Register with VCCS and learn more about our Summer Job Service.

2010-02-16T16:52:00.004-05:00

Home Depot voices committment

By LISA GERVAIS, LINDSAY POST REPORTER

KAWARTHA LAKES-The Home Depot has confirmed that it is committed to coming to Lindsay.
Senior real estate manager, Sylvain Rivet, in a letter to City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Ric McGee and members of council, dated Jan. 25, writes "I would like to reassure yourself and council of our plans to locate a Home Depot store in Lindsay and specifically on the Mason Homes site.
"We look forward to working with council and staff over the next year to finalise the approvals needed to open our store."
Home Depot penned the letter after receiving the Ontario Municipal Board ruling which reaffirmed council's decision to support the Mason Homes commercial proposal.
"We are pleased with the positive outcome of this hearing, and the support which the city gave to Mason Homes through this process," Rivet said in the letter that will be tabled at today's council meeting.

2010-02-10T09:30:00.007-05:00

'Sweet' funding helps local dairy expand

By Catherine Whitnall

Kawartha Lakes This Week

Kawartha Dairy in Bobcyageon has received $620,000 from the provincial government for expansion project

'Sweet' provincial funding helps local dairy expand. MPP Rick Johnson, Mike Crowe, director of operations at Kawartha Dairy, and Blake Frazer, general manager of Kawartha Dairy show off cones of the dairy's ice cream on Friday (Feb. 5). The Province gave Kawartha Dairy $620,000 to help the company expand its ice cream production. Lance Anderson (BOBCAYGEON) Funding for an expansion project is a real sweet deal for one long-time Bobcaygeon business.Founded in 1937 by Jack and Ila Crowe, and still family owned and operated, Kawartha Dairy recently received $620,000 in support from the province’s Rural Economic Development Program to help complete a major expansion project. Costing roughly $1.2 million, the project will see new technologies installed to improve production and material handling, food safety and quality control. After completion in the spring, the project will not only retain 86 existing positions, but also create 10 new jobs, as well as increase demand for milk from local farmers. “Kawartha Dairy ice cream is really an iconic brand,” explained general manager Blake Frazer, noting items produced at the Bobcaygeon fascility are loved by both area residents as well as visitors. The company’s main focus has been to “grow that brand” out of the Kawarthas and into the GTA and beyond. As a result, the business has outgrown its current facility, as well as production. One of the key aspects of the expansion project is to install automated equipment. Currently, ice cream tubs are filled by hand, which is not only labour intensive, but also “quite a science”, noted Mike Crowe, director of operations and the third generation to work at the business. “This is our largest projects to date,” said Mr. Crowe, adding it’s “hard to express the gratitude” he feels toward the support from the province, local dairy producers, the City of Kawartha Lakes and Ward 13 Coun. Pat Warren. “As a family member, I’m hoping to see this continue.”The equipment will also afford the business the opportunity to “co-pack” products with other companies.“Improving production at Kawartha Dairy will result in more milk produced by local dairy farmers, provide more jobs for local workers and give consumers more reasons to shop locally,” stated Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Rick Johnson, who is also the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “The McGuinty government is proud to support partnerships aimed at strengthening and growing rural economies.”Planning for the expansion began in 2008 with the project kicking off in November. Mr. Crowe hopes to have construction, which is already underway, completed in three months in order to maintain a seamless flow of products when the “busy season” kicks in at the end of April.

2010-02-01T11:49:00.009-05:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS this February 2010

Click the image below to see our Events Calendar for February.

Most of the workshops that we offer are at no cost.

To register please call 705.328-0180.

2010-01-11T11:44:00.003-05:00

10 Questions to Ask in an Interview

When preparing for an interview we tend to focus on answering the questions we anticipate the employer will ask. Another key piece to preparation is to create a list of questions we will want to ask the employer. This shows that you are genuinely interested in the work of the company or organization and wish to contribute.

Create a written list of questions to refer to in the interview. Consider these top 10 questions:

1. "Could you describe to me your typical management style and the type of employee that works well with you?"
2. "Where are your major priorities that need to be immediately addressed in this job?"
3. "What is your company's policy on providing seminars, workshops and training so employees can develop their skills?"
4. "Are there any restraints or cutbacks planned that would decrease the budget here?"
5. "What particular computer equipment and software do you use here?

6. "How will my performance be measured? By whom?"
7. "What challenges do you forsee for this department?

8. "What types of people seem to excel here?"
9. "Can you give me an idea of the typical workload and extra hours or special needs it demands?"
10. "Describe the atmosphere of the office."

Remember to review the company’s website and any additional information you can source. Asking questions specific to the company will certainly capture their attention and prove you a positive contributor to the organization.

2010-01-05T09:42:00.007-05:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS in January

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for January. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.

2009-12-11T16:17:00.006-05:00

The New Age of Job Searching Using the World Wide Web

In today’s world, looking for work is not just handing out resumes door to door, but looking for job opportunities on the “World Wide Web”.

Job searching is like a full time job; just to find a position that might just be the “one”. Many opportunities are found in what is known as the hidden job market. Company websites hold career/employment opportunities that may not appear in other advertising avenues. Some websites also hold additional information to help in your job search process. You can learn about resumes, cover letters, how to handle yourself in an interview and so on.

VCCS Employment Services offer you workshops for Internet Job Searching as well as the 3 week Job Finding Club and 3 day Job Search Workshop. These are just a few of our workshops that can assist you in your steps to employment.

Ask our friendly staff for a copy of The Employment Resource Guide for the City of Kawartha Lakes. This little booklet is full of information, along with phone numbers to important services that you can access. If you are willing to take time; our friendly staff will be here to give you a hand. Happy Job Hunting!

Always remember to check out the local Labour Market Information in your active job search.

Labour Market Information Workforce Development Board

http://www.wdb.ca/

Occupational Information

http://www.jobfutures.ca/

Labour Market Information

http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/

And there's MORE! Check out our full Newsletter for November 2009. Articles include:

Market Yourself!
The Job Finding Club
Effective Networking

2009-11-13T09:57:00.008-05:00

Habits of recession-era workers categorized

By KEVIN CONNOR, SUN MEDIA

Nov. 13th, 2009

The Seven Habits of Recession-Era Employees study says on-the-job worker's behaviour during a recession can be grouped into seven categories and each one requires distinct management skills.

"Managers encounter a wider range of on-the-job behaviours than simple economic reasoning predicts. Relying on fear as a management tool is a poor choice during a recession as it is during a boom," said Douglas Reid, an associate professor at Queen's School of Business.

A survey of 250 managers enrolled in programs at Queen's School of Business shows 48% say an increase in employment would be the strongest sign of a recovery and 36% believe their company will be hiring in the next six months.

"Nervous employers want to ensure that the recovery is firmly established before adding to the workforce. But employers also need to recognize that engaged employees will be the core of any organization's renewal efforts," Reid said.

How has the recession affected your view of the workplace?

The Terminated: while not physically present in the organization, their memories linger and affect those that stay.

The Fearful: these employees believe they will be cut next. They are ready to search for a new job but cling tenaciously to whatever certainty their existing situation affords.

The Indifferent: this group is watching the recession occur and believe it is going to affect someone else.

The Delighted: high performers who delight in the improvement in their situation relative to the average consumer via sales and discounts in the marketplace.

The Apocalyptic: a small group that believes that the recession presents a necessary "reset" for a myriad list of failures in the existing system of capitalism.

The Longers: Hoping for a severance package and optimistic they'll obtain rapid alternative employment.

The Engaged: The core of a company's renewal efforts. They understand the consequences of the recession and what needs to be done to help the business recover.

2009-11-06T09:37:00.005-05:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS This November

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for November. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.

6 Topics to Avoid Discussing At Work by Dawn Rosenberg McKay

2009-10-28T09:58:00.007-04:00

By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com

1. Religion

You shouldn't discuss your religious beliefs or your thoughts about other religious beliefs at work. Religion is a very personal issue and people are very sensitive about it. They don't want to hear that you disagree with their religious beliefs or that you believe your religion is the one in which everyone should believe.

2. Politics

This is another sensitive issue, particularly around election time. While you may feel very strongly about your political party or candidate, or have negative views about the opposition, you should not try to win your co-workers over to your point of view.

3. Your Romantic Life

Why shouldn't you talk about your romantic life? Simply because it's no one's business other than yours and your partner's. Other than that, it makes people uncomfortable. Taken to the extreme, it may even border on sexual harassment.

4. Problems With Your Spouse, Your Children, or Your Parents

When you discuss problems you are having with others, your co-workers and your boss may wonder if those problems are distracting you from doing your job. Talking about your problems with your family will reveal your weaknesses. You don't want to do this, especially if you are in a position of authority.

5. Your Career Aspirations

Talking about how you want to move on to something bigger and better will certainly, for good reason, make your boss and co-workers question your loyalty to your current job. If you are interested in moving up within your current organization, your actions will speak louder than words. Do your job exceptionally well, and of course, let your boss know you want to move up, but don't make it the topic of workplace conversations with anyone who will listen.

6. Your Health Problems

Don't dwell on your health problems at work. If you do, you will give your co-workers and boss reason to wonder if an illness will keep you from doing your job. Of course, serious health issues that will cause you to take time off, must be discussed with your employer. No one, however, needs specific details about your health.

2009-10-01T11:51:00.001-04:00

Check Out What's Happening at VCCS This October

Click the image below to view our Events Calendar for October. Most of the workshops we offer are at no cost. Please call 705.328.0180 for more information or to register.