Elisabeth Heslop
Getting a job often is the first thing students returning home from university or finishing up a year of high school think about once summer rolls around.
Whether it is pumping gas at Safeway, doling out treats at Dairy Queen, or working in the mill, students usually are content simply to be putting cash in the bank.
This year, though, the faltering economy has made things a little more difficult.
A recent online poll by the Fort Frances Times asked the question, “Have you found a summer job yet?” Some 78 of the 99 respondents said they either are still looking or have given up.
For those 78 people, and all the others in the same boat, the Northern Community Development Services Employment Resource Centre here has a message: there is still hope.
Bridget McGinnis, a career advisor with NCDS, said while “competition [for summer jobs] in our area may be a little stiffer” than in past years, there are still plenty of positions available.
The resource centre is “extremely busy,” with about 30 positions on the “job board” right now, she noted.
One of the programs NCDS offers is the Summer Jobs Service, a provincial government program which not only helps connect students seeking employment with potential employers, but also assists students with skills such as resumé and cover letter writing.
It also provides a $2/hour wage support for employers.
Tyson Grinsell is the Summer Jobs Service co-ordinator for NCDS this year. A university student himself, Grinsell said the program definitely is being used.
“Lots of students and employers are starting to pile up,” he noted, adding that right now there are fewer employers signed up than in previous years but “it is starting to pick up.”
Grinsell said he’s spoken with more than 60 employers in the area and while only some have signed up, there is interest.
“Many are waiting to see how busy they are,” he remarked.
“I think if employers do decide to hire students, they will be hiring fewer,” he conceded, echoing McGinnis’ observation about competition.
For those students who don’t live right in or around Fort Frances, Grinsell said there are a few job openings in Emo. He also has been working with some employers in Rainy River.
In fact, NCDS has an office in Rainy River that is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Anybody in the Rainy River area wanting to set up an appointment should call the Fort Frances office at 274-2282.
Grinsell said NCDS also offers several other services to help with the summer job search.
The “job board” has positions in everything from fast food to family and child services.
“Even if employers aren’t signed up with the [SJS] program, we still post their jobs,” Grinsell noted.
They also offer workshops covering topics such as WHMIS, first aid, and money management.
Meanwhile, the “Odd Jobs” program is for people of all ages and runs all year, though Grinsell said it could help students earn a little money while they are looking for a regular summer job.
The program provides a way for employers who need to fill short-term positions, even if only for one day, to connect with potential employees.
Grinsell stressed this program isn’t only for regular businesses and students. Employers could be local businesses who need an extra hand for a couple of days or seniors who need assistance with mowing their lawn, or perhaps a do-it-yourselfer who needs a hand shingling his roof.
He said it also is an excellent opportunity for people who are retired but still want to keep busy and earn a little money.
Another place students can go to look for summer jobs is the Service Canada Centre for Youth at 301 Scott St. (post office). Kaylie Lundgren, a youth service officer, said they have a job board with about 15 current jobs right now.
She added they also provide students with assistance in things like resumé and cover letter writing, as well as interview prep.
Lundgren said the centre is having its grand-opening this Thursday (June 4) from 2-4 p.m., which is being held in conjunction with Hire a Youth Week.
She and her colleagues also will be handing out potted flowers to businesses on Friday to encourage them to hire youth, which, in turn, helps “grow” the local economy.
For students who still are determined to find a job this summer, Grinsell had a little advice.
“They should get out and apply anywhere they can think of,” he stressed. “And go talk to employers on their own” even if they have signed up with the summer jobs program.
After all, a little personal legwork doesn’t hurt your chances—and it sure beats sitting on the couch.
