Job seekers in Powell River can feel confident in knowing Career Link staff is dedicated to helping everyone who comes through the door.
“We are here to help anyone looking for a job,” says manager Brodie D’Angio, “whether it’s using our career lab, attending a free workshop, or discovering opportunities in the local labour market.”
Career Link’s career lab is open on a walk-in basis to all job seekers, whether they are unemployed, fully employed, on employment insurance or anywhere in between.
“We have public-use computers, scanners, a fax machine and a job board with local postings,” says D’Angio. “Anyone can access those without an appointment.”
In addition, labour market specialists are always available in the lab to support job seekers with advice and information on the latest employment opportunities.
One-on-one employment counselling is also available for eligible job seekers. Employment counsellors help with everything from resumés and cover letters to career planning.
“Counsellors customize services to each person’s unique needs, working on short-term and long-term employment goals,” says D’Angio. “They provide assistance in any area where the job seeker might need support and help to keep them motivated through the process.”
Counsellors can also help determine how each client’s skills and experience fit within the community, whether they are new to Powell River or transitioning from another role. Job seekers are encouraged to phone or visit Career Link to enquire about eligibility.
“We have a team of counsellors with diverse backgrounds who work together to support our clients, including employment counsellor Darcie MacFronton, who has been with the organization for 28 years,” says D’Angio. "She brings a depth of knowledge of the community and her profession to a team that serves staff and clients alike.”
Chad Yurich joined Career Link as an employment counsellor in May 2017.
“Chad transitioned from the forestry industry and brings his knowledge of local resource-based industries to the role,” says D’Angio.
Career Link is also the hub for the local labour market.
“We offer a free job posting service to employers and our labour market specialists conduct extensive research to ensure we are up to date with all of the latest employment opportunities, news and trends in the labour market,” says D’Angio. “That information gets relayed to all of our employment counsellors on a daily basis, which allows them to assist clients in customizing their approach to employers. We are also able to tap into the ‘hidden’ job market since we have connections to employers and access to jobs only advertised by worth of mouth; employers don’t always post jobs online and we can help guide job seekers toward those opportunities.”
Career Link’s connection with employers and to the community is a result of longevity and dependability. It has been operating in the community under the umbrella of PREP Society for more than 30 years.
To help job seekers delve deeper into the job search process in areas such as interview practice, approaching employers and selling personal skills, Career Link hosts free multi-day workshops regularly at 4511 Marine Avenue. The employment services centre will also host a job fair from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on April 17 at Powell River Recreation Complex.
“The job fair provides an opportunity for job seekers to connect with local employers; the local economy is doing well and we’re seeing new employment opportunities arise daily,” says D’Angio. “The excitement for us comes when we hear about a job seeker and an employer coming together as a great match. We feel honoured and privileged to be part of someone’s journey to employment and celebrate each as a success.”
Career Link is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information:
• 604.485.7958
• careerlinkbc.com
