Representatives of the YMCA-YWCA of the Okanagan and the Open Door Group teamed up to speak to members of the agricultural community about this year’s offering of employment services at Victory Hall on May 30.
The meeting was described as a “dual forum,” with information for employers in the first session and potential employees in the second half.
Robert Bryce, Employment Program of BC Catchment Manager, was present to speak about the YMCA’s service offerings in the Similkameen, and how prospective employees and employers will be able to connect through the Y’s services.
Bryce began with a summary outlining the Y’s involvement in the local employment services market, addressing approximately 20 growers, farmworkers and interested residents.
Carolyn Kidd, case manager for the Keremeos area, will be working out of her office at 103- 719 Seventh Avenue, behind Valu Plus Foods.
The job board will be located at that location, at least temporarily, Bryce said, noting that a “local businessman” was trying to start an internet cafe. If the venture does get rolling, (an opening date is scheduled for mid to late June), the job board will be relocated there.
Bryce told the gathering that agricultural jobs could be accessed through toll free numbers in addition to a website that would also list local job opportunities. He explained the website set up, including how to post a job and how to search for one.
“We are here to tell you that we are ready to take your job postings and connect you with employees,” Bryce said.
Open Door Group Site Coordinator for Oliver, Melanie Guza was also on hand to discuss that employment services provider’s plans for employment services in Cawston.
As a result of the reorganization of employment services that was announced earlier this year, Cawston was placed in the Oliver catchment area, splitting the agricultural community in the Lower Similkameen in half.
She noted that there was no office in Cawston, but plans were underway to set up a job board at Cawston Market. The postings would be changed once a week, but if there were numerous jobs or a sudden need to fill, plans were being formulated to have the postings faxed to the store for immediate posting by store personnel. Contact information would be available on the job board, and for those without internet access, both employment service providers have an after hours answering service in place.
Contact info:
For Keremeos:
Phone:1-888-770-5627
www.ymca-ywcaworkbc.ca
For Cawston:
Phone: 250-498-2911.
The website is: www.oliveresc.ca.