Employment Journey Blog
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php
Spring into action: Ace that job interview
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100427-095500
by Stacy Dunn, Employment Journey Researcher In my job, I read a lot of interview tips and one recently caught my attention. The tip was what to avoid:
Being too modest . Failing to talk yourself up during an interview is one of the most self defeating mistakes that you can make. This is not the time for humility, so sing your praises! Don't be afraid to talk up everything that you've accomplished, whether in school or in previous companies. This is your time to shine.
It’s food for thought for a quiet and shy person like myself that there’s a right time and place to speak positively about your achievements. It may lead to something good. This information about job interviews is courtesy of the recent Career Day at the UPEI School of Business . Human Resource Management students set up booths on topics such as “Considering Your Work Alternatives” and “Effective Business Networking”.
The students told me that they found most of the information for their projects from the Internet, The Employment Journey, and the Career Services Centre at UPEI .
The Career Services Centre website has some great advice for acing your next job interview. Visit http://www.upei.ca/studentservices/career/. Click on Job Searching and Interviews under the Career Services table of contents to the right. This table of contents also includes links to other career planning information.
News you can use
Wood working company grows
Chandlers Cabinets and Millwork is a Charlottetown company that has been in operation for over 60 years. In April, the federal and provincial governments announced funding of $1,300,000 to help the company expand their operations and modernize their equipment.
They have moved to a new location in the West Royalty Industrial Park, where employees are busy designing and building cabinets and millwork. The company’s products are sold locally, throughout Atlantic Canada and the US.
Owner Mark Steele says the expansion means that they can now work on five or six projects at a time, instead of the usual one or two. The expansion has also resulted in more staff, and is advertising for eight new positions.
Enable Healthcare Canada Inc. is opening a location at the Holman Building in Summerside. The company plans to be established on PEI by the end of April.
It will begin with six core employees and expects to expand to as many as 20 by the end of their first year. They also plan to offer co-op education employment opportunities through post-secondary schools.
Enable Healthcare provides electronic health records and practice management systems to private physicians. The systems keep track of billing, claims, prescription connections with pharmacies and labs, scheduling, and insurance verification. The location will provide 24-hour technical support by trained personnel.
The Holman Building has been established as a Centre for Excellence in e-Health.
In the past year, CBDC in Summerside has seen double the number of people who want to start or expand their business . That number is up from the usual 80 interviews CBDC conducts every year. It has found that 85 percent of people who start up a company in the Summerside area are still in business five years later.
The Future Fishers Program is accepting new applications. The program is open to PEI residents 18 years of age or older who are purchasing a Class A lobster license. The program started back in November 2009 with 20 participants. Formal training covers areas such as marine operations, lobster biology and management, marketing and financial management. Future Fishers is a way to attract new fishers into the industry as many fishers are now retiring.
Want to know what made news in the tourism industry on PEI recently? The Tourism Research Centre has a media archive list that goes back to November 2008. It could help you in your job search to see what employers are out there. If you are planning to start a tourism-related business, the archives may help you in your research.
Two initiatives were just announced which will help farmers develop new income sources and save on energy costs. These programs are part of the Agricultural Flexibility Fund.
The Renewable Energy Initiative will provide funding for energy audits and the installation of agriculture based renewable energy sources and equipment.
The BioEconomy Crop Initiative will look at the environmental and economic value of crops such as fall rye, perennial grasses and hybrid willows. It’s an effort to keep the agriculture industry competitive and to study the potential of agricultural-based renewable energy on PEI .
The East Prince Women’s Information Centre just received funding for its Sharing and Caring Project. The project will offer enhanced support services, programs and skills to Prince County women who are going through times of crisis, distress and transition. The women will be provided with mentors, peer support, group support training, and skills development through this project.
For more information, go to www.gov.pe.ca/index.php3?number=news&newsnumber=6952&dept=&lang=E ]]>The labour market: you learn something new every day
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100323-170000
by Stacy Dunn, Employment Journey Researcher I have been on the road from Elmsdale to Souris presenting The Employment Journey as “one-stop shopping” for job search and career planning . Everywhere I go, people have said that they like the PEI spin on labour market information and that a person could spend a lot of time and learn a lot by navigating through our website.
I attended a workshop recently to learn more about the features of two labour market websites:
• www.pei.jobfutures.org lets you compare wages, employment outlook, and other aspects of two or more occupations.
• www.labourmarketinformation.ca has news that you can use to find out more about your career options. Choose PEI and type in the job you want to focus on. Employment Prospects, Wages & Salaries and Where to Get Training are just some of the headings you can click on.
Did you know that PEI has a high labour force participation rate? In January the rate was 68 percent , and we led the other Maritime provinces in persons aged 15 to 65 who are employed or unemployed and actively seeking work.
News You Can Use
Spring is the time for a wide variety of job fairs and other events of interest to job seekers!
On April 24 and 25, Showcase 2010 , PEI’s largest trade show, will feature a wide range of companies and their products. This is a great opportunity for job seekers to check out some of the many businesses active on the Island and to talk to business owners about potential job opportunities. This event will be held at the Summerside Marine Terminal Building.
Visit www.employmentjourney.com and click on Calendar of Events for more opportunities to check out the local employment scene
Job board on Career Development Services website
The PEI Career Development Services website now has a Job Board. Job seekers can view employment opportunities available across PEI. You can check out all the jobs listed or click on jobs in one area of the province.
The PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is building a new facility in Tignish for its painting and body shop services. The department’s central financial administration will be moving to the Dalton Centre complex. This move will bring 13 jobs to Tignish, said Premier Robert Ghiz. He noted that some employees may choose to go to other jobs in government or retire, leading to potential openings in Tignish.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal announced its second round of tenders for eight new construction projects worth about $13 million. The province plans to spend a total of $56 million for highway and bridge construction this year.
Islanders now have access to another website to gather job leads. The provincial government recently launched www.governmentatwork.ca Click on each government department to find a current list of programs, services and new projects.
Tourism unveils marketing plans for 2010
PEI is known worldwide for its potatoes, lobsters, mussels and oysters. The Department of Tourism is concentrating on this fact in its 2010 marketing campaign. In addition to highlighting golf and culture, the Island will be marketed as a top culinary destination. The campaign is moving away from traditional television ads and will focus on innovative Internet advertising and social media awareness.
For more information on the tourism marketing campaign, go to http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?nu ... amp;lang=E ]]>Being active in your community looks good on your resumé
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100222-150000
by Stacy Dunn, Employment Journey Researcher
Look at your own resumé. Have you listed your achievements in sport, the arts and in your community, school or work? I like to read Employee Announcements in the local newspaper because they list his or her activities at work and outside of work. I get the sense that the employer is quite proud of that employee’s well-rounded life. These achievements may have led to that person getting the job or a promotion.
It’s a good icebreaker in an interview, job fair or business mixer to mention your achievements. Don’t be shy; practice your “achievements speech” with family, friends, teachers or counsellors.
Listen to the Canadian athletes who just did well at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Notice the tone in their voices and look on their faces when they describe their experiences.
E-mail us at employ@pei.aibn.com with any other tips on listing achievements on a resumé or in an interview. We always like to hear from you.
News You Can Use
Rural Action Plan coming into effect
In January, the provincial government announced its Rural Action Plan . The plan lists the following initiatives: economic and community development, protection of the environment and human resource development. Among the actions coming from these initiatives are the following:
• establishing three Rural Action Centres as a single source of information and resources for businesses • a community economic development investment fund • support for regional tourism associations .
Several actions are now underway such as improving high-speed Internet service, developing a five-point lobster plan and finding new directions for the agriculture industry. The Rural Action Plan will be applied to all provincial government departments over the next five years. It was formed following extensive consultations with more than 1,200 Islanders representing all sectors of the rural economy.
Research and development projects benefit from $12.3 million
Seven projects received funding from the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) . The money will boost research and development right here on the Island. The seven projects selected for funding include: • Chemaphor Inc. • Timeless Technologies (2007) Inc. • Nature’s Crops International Limited. • LISI Therapeutics Inc. • UPEI/ Atlantic Veterinary College • UPEI - Discovery Space • Atlantic Veterinary College - Veterinary Laboratory Quality Assurance Program Expansion
The Innovation PEI Pilot Fund recently announced Round II of supporting research and development projects on PEI. The program is designed to grant seed money to entrepreneurs and scientists who are testing products for potential use in the marketplace.
The following organizations, businesses and institutions will be offered funding: • iWave Information Systems Inc. • Atlantic Canada Energy Corporation • Atlantic Veterinary College • Malpeque Bay Area Developments Inc. • Moving Ideas Group Inc. • Natures Crops International Limited • NRC-Institute of Nutrisciences and Health - 4 projects • Prince Edward Aqua Farms Inc. • PEI Organic Fruit and Berries Ltd. • Shared Solution Inc. • Telos International Inc. • University of Prince Edward Island • UPEI and AvantiCell Science
The Regis Duffy BioScience Fund recently announced a call for Statements of Interest. Applicants interested in submitting a statement of interest will be evaluated on the basis of their suitability within the Fund’s mandate, selection criteria and the quality of technology, marketing and business capabilities.
The $1 million fund was established in 2009 to invest in bioscience-related activities created on PEI. It’s named after Dr. Regis Duffy, who is recognized for his contributions to science and business within the province.
In February, the Canadian lobster industry received $417,000 to develop a marketing strategy that will lead to long-term solutions to the downturn in the lobster industry. Partners include the governments of Canada, the four Atlantic provinces and Quebec, the newly-formed Lobster Council of Canada, and UPEI. The funding will go to identifying new markets, developing solutions to the global downturn in the economy, and generating growth opportunities. UPEI’s Lobster Science Centre will offer its expertise and research.
The Aquaculture Innovation and Market Access Program aims to boost aquaculture through innovative technologies and enhancing global competitiveness and environmental performance.
Four PEI companies were given support: • PEI Mussell Farms Inc. - Morell • PEI Aquaculture Alliance • Coles Mussel Farms - Kensington • Halibut PEI
The new PEI Visitor’s Guide has been released. It is a great way to check out tourism businesses across the Island. If you are looking for a job in tourism, pick up a copy or visit www.gentleisland.com
Wellness Centre and Library opens in Montague
The Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre and Montague Rotary Library officially opened in February. The 43,670 square foot complex includes a 520-seat arena, community space, meeting rooms, offices, kitchen facilities, two indoor walking tracks and a large lobby.
The new 3,000 square foot library includes space for literary activities and recreation. The complex is located next to the location of the new Montague High School which is currently under constructionFor more information, go to http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?nu ... amp;lang=E ]]>New year, new decade -- maybe a new direction in your job search or career plans?
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry100125-100000
by Stacy Dunn, Researcher, The Employment Journey Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2010 is here. Remember the year 2000, or Y2K? Many new IT jobs were created to address the possibility that computers worldwide would crash on January 1, 2000. Fortunately, the IT sector was so well prepared and no major computer errors were reported that year.
On PEI, the IT sector is quite active as it works within several organizations: - Innovation and Technology Sector Councilwww.itsc.ca - Innovation and Technology Association of PEIwww.itap.ca - Interactive Media Alliance www.imapei.com Do you know what the difference is between a Computer Engineer and a Computer Programmer? The Innovation and Technology Sector Council’s new career booklet will tell you. Visit www.itsc.ca/files/ITSC_Recruit_Booklet_web.pdf.
The Employment Journey looks forward to bring you new success stories and profiles of jobs in demand on PEI for 2010. We always appreciate your feedback and story ideas. E-mail us at employ@pei.aibn.com.
News You Can Use:
Province’s stimulus plans remain strong through 2010
Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan recently revealed the details of the One Island – Working Together 2010-2011 Capital Estimates which will allow for the creation of 1,625 jobs. The budget will also generate new tax revenues of $11.4 million and an improvement to the Provincial GDP of $62 million.
This is a continuation of the 2009 Capital Budget which outlines the government’s plan to stimulate the Island economy. The plan continues the stimulus budget introduced last fall to create jobs and replace aging infrastructure. The Stimulus Capital Budget plan is expected to continue until the 2012-2013 fiscal year when the Province will return to normal spending levels.
The Provincial Treasurer noted that while improvements to transportation and public works continue, health and education are priority areas. The Capital Plan will provide $136.7 million in infrastructure for the healthcare system towards:
- Completion of Phase 1 of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital project - Replacement of the Prince Edward Home and Summerset, Colville and Maplewood Manors - Renovations to the Margaret Stewart Ellis Home in O’Leary will be completed - Replacement of the Riverview Manor will begin
Other projects: - $229 million over the next five years towards 700 kilometres of highway and 35 bridges. - A further investment of $12 million in the BioCommons Research Park - $6.5 million allocated for a Provincial Emergency Radio System - $400,000 for modernizing provincial libraries - $12.3 million for new school buses . - School construction and capital improvements will be completed at Three Oaks, Francois-Buote and Souris schools in addition to the Glen Stewart and Westwood renovations announced this year. - During 2010-11, construction will be completed at Elm Street, Montague High, Montague Intermediate and Ecole Saint-Augustin .
Lennox Island is setting up a new lobster and fish processing plant this spring. Between 50 and 80 jobs will be created. Off-reserve natives, Abegweit First Nations members and non-native Islanders are welcome to apply for jobs alongside people from Lennox Island. Minigoo Fisheries Inc. will be the first fish plant owned and operated by a First Nation in Atlantic Canada.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has developed a new strategy to make it easier for Canadian universities and businesses to establish research partnerships. It aims to achieve the following goals: -build bridges between industry and educational institutions with new programs and - allow for an easier collaboration with minimal roadblocks develop resources to speed up research and development in key areas.
NSERC says this new commitment to partnership will see businesses access the expertise of scientists for new innovations that Canadians can benefit from.
PERCÉ Program holds information sessions In December, university and college students under the age of 30 attended information sessions on the PERCÉ Program . The program consists of two parts: an orientation week where participants learn their professional and personal strengths and a 10- to 12- week paid summer work placement that relates to the students’ studies.
PERCÉ has helped participants to: - secure a full-time job on PEI after completing their studies, - gather contacts for an eventual job, and - access higher levels of studies. The PERCÉ Program has a Facebook page and its own website at http://www.percepe.ca/home.cfm
College changes name to reflect diversity of its programs CompuCollege has changed its name to Eastern College to show that the college offers more than computer training. The campus in Charlottetown offers diploma programs in Child and Youth Care Worker, Criminology, Resident Care Worker, and Pharmacy Technician along with its IT, Business and Office Administration programs.
Charlottetown is one of seven Eastern College locations across Atlantic Canada. In its 20-year history, the college has grown to offer more than 40 diploma programs and has put more than 20,000 graduates into the growing workforce in the region.
Young farmers, farm worker honoured for outstanding contributions
Tania and Greg MacKenzie of Stratford were named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2009. They own and operate MacKenzie Produce, a 115-acre cole crop vegetable farm. Cabbage is their main crop. They have more than three million pounds in storage, and it is marketed all year round.
In a recent news story, Greg credited his success to being an expert in so many things, especially technology and human resources. He said that he has seen a slight increase of younger farmers on PEI. As for the challenges farmers face, Greg said a lot of “sweat equity”, passion and belief in farming is needed to get by.
The Outstanding Young Farmer program was founded in 1979 by the Canadian Junior Chamber/Jay-cees and is open to farmers or couples aged 18 to 39 who derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming operations.
Nazaire Arsenault of Central Bedeque was presented with the inaugural Farm Worker of the Year Award by the Department of Agriculture. The new award recognizes individual farm workers for their long-time service and dedication to the industry. Nazaire has worked at Greenfield Farms for the past 68 years. He began working for John Green in 1941 and has literally grown up with the many changes in the operation over the years. Nazaire is described by the Greens as not just an employee, but more like a member of the family.
Read more about Nazaire and the Farm Worker of the Year Award at www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6721&lang=E ]]>Time for reflection on 2009
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091123-143006
by Stacy Dunn, Employment Journey Researcher The end of the first decade of the 21st century is in sight. At the beginning of the 2000s, did you imagine bioscience, information technology, aerospace and renewable energy to emerge as PEI’s hot new industries? On the other hand, did you imagine the economic slump that has affected some sectors on PEI of late?
Workers in these sectors may have to face the real possibility of changing careers or taking a training program to upgrade their skills. The Employment Journey talks with employment assistance agencies all the time to see what’s new in training or job search courses. We even talk with Islanders who have made the move to a new career.
It is a challenge that can be overcome. What are your thoughts on changing careers? E-mail us at employ@pei.aibn.com
PEI economy to recover slowly, experts say
Recently, economists with the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) said PEI will slowly recover from this current recession. By mid to late 2010, the Island’s economy will grow a modest 1.5 percent and employment will rise 0.7 percent. The bioscience, IT, renewable energy and aerospace sectors will see growth in the global market. The economists say that self employment is strong on PEI – about 13 percent of the Island’s workforce.
APEC President and CEO Elizabeth Beale said her non-governmental organization is in favour of more education and training on PEI. She noted that because 43 percent of adult Islanders do not have sufficient literacy skills, they may face a roadblock to training. This figure is similar to the national average as identified in the 2003 International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey.
Another surprising number is PEI’s job growth. This province’s growth from July 2008 to July 2009 is higher than the other Atlantic provinces. The Island is considered to be in the “middle of the pack” with respect to job growth among Canadian provinces. Read economist Jim Follwell’s explanation of job growth in our September/October 2009 issue at http://www.employmentjourney.com/PDF_is ... Sept09.pdf
Although it showed good growth between 2002 and 2006, Charlottetown-based Cabinetmaster Architectural Woodworking Ltd. closed its doors in November. The high Canadian dollar and tough times in the U.S., one of Cabinetmaster’s biggest customers, explain the company’s downturn.
In 2005, Cabinetmaster expanded to a second plant in Charlottetown. A 2,250 square metre plant was built in Montague in 2006. That year, the company reached peak employment at about 105, up from 10 employees at the time the business was acquired in 2002. However, Cabinetmaster was forced to close the Montague plant one year ago and entered 2009 with just 50 employees. Less than 20 remained at the time of the closure. Find out more at http://www.dailybusinessbuzz.ca/2009/11 ... lose-doors
Best of PEI closes two stores
The Best of PEI Market and Best of PEI Store closed in late October. The stores had 35 full- and part-time staff members. Co-owner Bev MacArthur cited competition with bigger supermarkets as the reason for the closures. The Best of PEI Market, which opened in June 2008, had a bakery, lunch bar and butcher's counter. The Best of PEI Store on Victoria Row in Charlottetown, which opened in May 2007, featured crafts, music and giftware. The goal of both shops was to sell products made in PEI. Find out more at http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm? ... &sc=98
Local IT business to boost tourism
Plans are in the works to use a high-tech marketing tool to attract new visitors to PEI. Tourism PEI has partnered with ScreenScape , a leader in Internet-based multi-faceted marketing. ScreenScape-powered screen displays are currently used in venues throughout the world. Visitor Information Centers will be the first to use this technology on PEI.
The Integrated Palliative Care Program’s Home Care Drug Pilot Project is getting an additional $750,000 to continue cost and delivery coverage. The project, which is for patients who need end of life care, aims to improve access to trained, qualified health care teams.
Staff who are trained in end of life or palliative care work closely with the patient’s family and caregivers. The palliative health care team consists of a pharmacist, nurse, occupational therapist, home support worker, social worker, dietician, physiotherapist, community support worker and hospice volunteers . Find out more at http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?nu ... amp;lang=E
Licensed Practical Nursing Association has a new website
The Licensed Practical Nurses Association of PEI is preparing a new website to help Islanders learn more about the practical nursing profession. Prospects for employment are excellent. The average age of LPNs and RNs is now 44. Within the next 10 years on PEI, about 50 percent of LPNs and RNs are expected to retire. Find out more at www.lpna.ca .
O’Leary Community Centre upgrade underway
Through the PEI government’s Island Community Fund, the O’Leary Community Centre is receiving upgrades to its plumbing and electrical systems and new insulation, doors and lighting. The province has contributed $38,850 towards the $92,500 project.
The Island Community Fund represents a provincial investment of $27.5 million towards the infrastructure needs of PEI communities. The Island Community Fund is just one component of the over $80 million the province is investing in infrastructure. Read more at www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6676&lang=E .
Have your say on minimum wage
The Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Board is inviting Islanders to present written submissions for consideration during the annual review of the provincial minimum wage. The minimum wage on PEI increased to $8.40 per hour on October 1. Deadline for written submissions is December 9. Submissions may be sent to Hazel Walsh, Employment Standards Board, PO Box 2000, 161 St. Peter’s Road, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8, by fax to (902) 368-5476 or by e-mail to hawalsh@gov.pe.ca.
The federal government has introduced the Fairness for the Self Employed Act that will allow the self employed to opt into the federal Employment Insurance plan and collect benefits currently available only to wage-earners and salaried workers.
The new legislation will extend maternity, parental, adoption, medical and compassionate-care benefits to self employed workers. Self employed workers can sign up for the plan beginning January 1, 2010, and can start claiming benefits one year later. Read more at http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?nid=493319
New technology to expand product lines at ADL
Amalgamated Dairies Limited has received funding to invest in technology that will expand its product line. The new reverse osmosis equipment will further process whey, a byproduct of cheese making.
Last year, ADL installed equipment that processed whey to produce Whey Protein Concentrate. The new technology to be installed will collect the remaining lactose from the whey, which will then be added to animal feed and other potential products.
ADL is PEI’s largest processor of dairy products. ADL produces nearly seven million kilograms of cheese and generates 50 to 60 million liters of whey per year.
Late fall is the time for Career Days for PEI high schools. Souris High School students participating in Career Day include from the top (standing) Emily Townshend, Emily MacDonald, Danielle Mahar, Sasha Bruce, Brittany Peters, Anne Peters (School Counsellor) Seated: Row 1: Brett Whalen, Marcy Lesperance, Caitlyn Brink Row 2: Amber Nowlan, Erica Roche , Johna Spencer, Dora Malone Row 3: Chelsey Acorn, Erika MacDonald, Kaitlin MacIntyre, Danielle Peters Row 4: Sam Llewellyn
]]>Harvest time – A good time to take stock of jobs on PEI
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry091021-092000
by Stacy Dunn, Employment Journey Researcher
The job search is a lot like growing crops. Your ideas of what you want in a job or career are like the seeds. As the seeds make contact with the ground, rain and sun, your ideas make contact with people, newspapers and other job search resources. This help leads to successful growth. At The Employment Journey, we are like the almanac of facts and figures to help you find out more about job prospects now and in the future.
The job climate on PEI is good at this time of year. The articles below will help you decide how to plough through the field of job searching or career planning. Feel free to contact us with your comments at employ@pei.aibn.com .
Third Edition of the Career Profile Handbook is now available
You can find PEI-based job information about more than 130 careers in the third edition of the Career Profile Handbook . Please see The Employment Journey homepage for a direct link. The new booklet now has more information on jobs available in the health care sector.
Holland College’s Culinary Institute of Canada and Cavendish Farms recently announced the official opening of Canada’s Smartest Kitchen. The facility will work with chefs, scientists and the food processing industry to cater to Canadians’ changing tastes in the processed food market. Canadians purchase more than $60 billion annually in processed food. The Holland College Tourism and Culinary Centre will also house The Cavendish Farms Culinary Creation Centre. Its sole purpose is researching, developing and testing products for the company’s food line. For more information, go to: http://www.hollandcollege.com/applied_r ... itchen.php
The Business of Vet Medicine Conference
Over 100 animal health and nutrition companies descended on Charlottetown in October for VetHealth Global 2009 – The Animal Health & Nutrition Business Conference. PEI BioAlliance and Invest PEI hosted the second annual conference. It was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the PEI Bioscience Cluster’s growing business and research capabilities in veterinary health and nutrition products.See what the conference is all about at www.vethealthglobal.com/about.php. Visit the PEI BioAlliance website www.peibioallance.com for news and upcoming events in PEI’s Bioscience sector.
PEI lab developing new cholesterol-reducing technology
Researchers at the National Research Council Institute of Nutrisciences and Health in Charlottetown are helping to lower bad cholesterol levels by combining natural botanical extracts. This original idea may make it easier for Canadians to manage obesity, diabetes, and high fat levels in the blood. Vancouver-based Omnia Foods Ltd. has acquired the North American rights to this technology. The NRC-INH provides a space for companies, government, and universities to network, invest and bring innovative technologies to market. This is an example of how the research work done right here on PEI can affect the world. Learn more about it at www.peibioalliance.com/files/20090925_NRC-INH_Omnia.pdf
Summerside welcomes new IT company
Global IT company Millennium Care has come to Summerside. People are currently being recruited for 30 positions at the Summerside office. Successful candidates will be trained to deliver support to the company’s clients in 80 countries. The company has been successful in building teams that resolve and manage IT issues using state-of-the-art software and facilities. Read more about Millennium Care at www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6548&lang= Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Alan Campbell, centre, chats with Perry Marshall, right, president of Millennium Care Inc. and Rudy Smith, president of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce.
Early Childhood Educators get accelerated training
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is addressing the growing shortage of early childhood educators by offering an accelerated training program. Holland College centres in Summerside and Charlottetown and Collège Acadie in Wellington will offer a one-year diploma program to current non-certified staff in licensed early childhood centre. The new program offers an opportunity to finish the program in one year rather than two, and will provide tuition through funding by SkillsPEI Minister Greenan said the new program will help to address the growing shortage of early childhood educators that is occurring on PEI and across the country. For more on this story, visit http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?nu ... amp;lang=E
John J. Sark Memorial Scholarship announced
Aboriginal students attending UPEI can now apply for the John J. Sark Memorial Scholarship. Islander John James Sark earned a post-secondary education at UPEI’s predecessor St. Dunstan’s College and was PEI’s first Mi’kmaq teacher.
The PEI Agriculture Department and its federal counterpart are setting up a working group with red meat industry representatives to discuss program options for the present and future. They will also talk about how to use the new Agriculture Flexibility Fund. For more information, go to www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6588&lang=E
Rural Development Strategy wants your say
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development is taking its rural development strategy on-line. Islanders are encouraged to fill on an on-line survey at www3.gov.pe.ca/survey/index.php?sid=66958&lang=en . The survey is part of the department’s ongoing efforts this year to consult with individuals and groups who work and live in rural PEI. Learn more about the rural development strategy at: http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?nu ... amp;lang=E
Firefighters look to more space, training and personnel
Attendants to the recent Fire Fighters Association’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show learned that the PEI government is giving $150,000 towards training. The money, which comes from the Island Community Fund, will make improvements to their apparatus building to house fire trucks and to serve as a training facility for fire fighters and hazardous materials response team. Read more about it at www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6584&lang=E Back in September, volunteer firefighters from Charlottetown, North River and Crossroads climbed to the roof of the Atlantic Technology Centre in downtown Charlottetown for Heroes in the Sky. It was a national initiative to raise awareness of the need for more volunteer firefighters and to raise money. Learn more about it at www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=276077&sc=98
Tignish restoring Post Office
Tignish Initiatives Corporation is restoring the Tignish Post Office, a designated heritage site. The non-profit community development agency, with funding help from the federal and PEI governments, will take over the 98-year-old post office in an effort to boost Tignish’s economy. For more information on the plans for the post office, see www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6545&lang=E
Wind Energy in Kensington
The Town of Kensington is getting into the renewable energy sector by installing a wind turbine for the local wastewater treatment plant. It’s the first of its kind in Canada and officials from the three levels of government say this initiative places Kensington at the hub of alternative energy education. Learn more about Kensington’s wind energy plans at www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6546&lang=E
New building, new site for Maplewood Manor
The Department of Health is moving up plans to build a new Maplewood Manor in Alberton on the property of the existing manor. Slated to begin construction in 2013, the manor will undergo a replacement plan in the coming months to address much-needed upgrades. Maplewood Manor is part of government’s Healthy Aging Strategy that is looking to improve services to seniors on PEI. Read more about it at www.gov.pe.ca/news/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=6560&lang=E
Workplace literacy is a priority
In September, the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training released a report on childhood and adult literacy. Regarding workplace literacy, the council wants to increase awareness of the essential skills for learning, to eliminate any barriers learners have and to improve quality standards and guidelines for learners and adult literacy teachers Read the report at http://camet-camef.ca/images/eng/docs/L ... arning.pdf .
PEI population boom
Statistics Canada says PEI’s population grew by 739 people, or .53 percent this past spring. Newcomers from overseas explains the sharp increase. PEI has outpaced the other Atlantic Canadian provinces this year in population. The number of people on PEI is 140,985. To compare our numbers to the rest of Canada, go to: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidie ... 9b-eng.htm
The library is praised as a great job resource
Did you know that October is Canadian Library Month? To celebrate, Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram praised the PEI public library system for providing Islanders with job resources and literacy and computer skills. She said libraries are helping people find jobs. Read more about it at www.gov.pe.ca/news/getrelease.php3?number=6579 . To find a library in our area, click http://www.gov.pe.ca/cca/index.php3?num ... amp;lang=E ]]>PEI gets the gold for hosting 2009 Canada Summer Games
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090923-085349
by Stacy Dunn
What did you do for summer vacation? I was among 6,000 people who volunteered at the 2009 Canada Summer Games. I had a lot of fun during Week 2 in Charlottetown at the Pin Trading Centre.
I have a new appreciation for workers in the retail, service and hospitality sectors. I was told to ask people questions such as "Who are you here to see?" It was a joy to see their faces light up when they said they were here for their son, daughter or grandchild. I learned that small talk is a good skill to have in the workplace. Besides leading to increased productivity or sales, small talk means you genuinely care about the other person.
The Employment Journey's own Gloria Welton was at the Games cheering on her son Kyle. He played on the PEI men's basketball team. See what Gloria's eye caught during the Opening Ceremonies and Kyle's first game.
These pictures also incidate the wonderful experience people such as athletes and volunteers must have had.
Medal Hope Fulfilled
Kurt McCormack, left, of Souris who captured the bronze medal in the Triple Jump and Coach and Olympic gold medalist Dave MacEachern speak to the media before the Opening Ceremonies.
The Teams
Kyle, left, and his team walk to the sounds of cheer and applause. PEI Men's Basketball Team Manager Gary MacLeod, right, and Coach Jared Cheverie, far right, walk with their players.
PEI Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador Northwest Territorities and the Yukon Ontario and Saskatchewan Quebec Alberta Nunavut
The Dignitaries
Prime Minister Stephen Harper with Team PEI
Governor General Michaelle Jean and PEI Premier Robert Ghiz with his wife, Kate, welcome the athletes
Sources of Inspiration: PEI Olympian Heather Moyse, the official Canada Games Flag and the flame.
The Entertainers
Bagpipers and dancers from the College of Piping
Confederation Centre Young Company and the Grass Mountain Hobos
PEI vs. Ontario game
Coach Jared Cheverie goes over the game plan with the team. He congratulates Kyle on his basket. Kyle and the team show Ontario that they "got game".
Teams PEI and Ontario congratulate each other on a good game
]]>PEI competitors shine at Canadian Skills Competition 2009
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090529-130012
Islanders were awarded eight medals for their efforts, including:
- Dallas Ellsworth won gold in electrical wiring, secondary division - Jenny Gillis won gold in cooking, secondary division. - Marshal Noye won silver in outdoor power and recreation equipment - Shannon MacAskill won silver in restaurant service, post-secondary division - Kurt MacLeod, Tyler MacPherson, Nicholas Crozier and Derek Profit won silver in robotics - Jonathan Menzies won bronze in cooking, post-secondary division - Pete Niewhof won bronze in automation and control, post-secondary division - Shawn Ready and Greg Murray won bronze in 3D character animation
Take a look at the pictures below. They show some of the PEI competitors who went up against the best in Canada.
Photos by Heidi Riley
Guest judge Mike Holmes, contractor and host of "Holmes on Homes", signs his autograph for a future tradesperson.
]]>Green jobs are growing everywhere on PEI
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090512-100156
April/ May issue covers a variety of "green” jobs.
Our cover story is about Nature’s Crops International. This new PEI company is looking for growers to plant crops new to PEI, and is planning a biorefinery that transforms seeds into oils that can be used in medicine, cosmetics and other industrial uses. It’s another way to see farmers and scientists working together. We also profile Phytocultures Ltd. which is encouraging farmers to grow the hascap berry to add to their growing season. The berry has twice the antioxidants of blueberries and doesn’t need chemical sprays. Both companies have employment opportunities.
Maritime Lighting Solutions is the only distributor east of Ontario that sells and installs Solatube Daylighting Systems. This product cuts down the use of electricity by bringing natural light into a room. Moonsnail Soapworks, which makes body-care products with no artifical dyes, perfumes or preservatives, is expanding its retail and production space.
What else is inside the April/ May 2009 issue of The Employment Journey ?
1. DeltaWare is a Charlottetown IT company always looking for qualified staff. 2. Apprenticeship training and certification equals job advancement. 3. Potential increase in road and bridge construction jobs this year. 4. Couple handle two separate seasonal businesses which keeps them going all year round. 5. Marine Show returns to West Prince. 6. RDEE PEI honours a young entrepreneur with a taste for music. 7. Resources West Inc. and Canada Games 2009 team up for various jobs. 8. UPEI Career and Job Fair provides a variety of employment leads. 9. Canadian Skills Competition this May on PEI helps Islanders build their job skills. 10. Adult learner is following his passion for working in the IT field. 11. GED program now offered in Scotchfort. 12. Service Canada reviews student summer work options. 13. Cultural Forum being held May 8.
Eleven student marketing teams and three bioscience companies were involved this year in the 2nd Annual UPEI School of Business/PEI BioAlliance Marketing Strategy Competition. The competition engages business students in real marketing experience with bioscience products created right here on PEI for global markets.
UPEI and the PEI BioAlliance gave marketing students the experience of working with the companies. The team of Cayla Leger, Jennifer MacLean and Brad Gallant won for their marketing strategy for Aqua Bounty Canada Inc. The strategy may be used in national and international promotions and sales activities.
Rory Francis, Executive Director of the PEI BioAlliance (far left) and Valerie Barbosa, AquaBounty Canada Inc. (far right) present the BioAlliance Award for the UPEI School of Business Best Bioscience Marketing Strategy to the winning team, including: Cayla Leger Jennifer MacLean and Brad Gallant.
Printing and graphic communications industry seek certification
Printing and graphic arts are part of the manufacturing sector which has been hit hard with layoffs during this economic downturn. The Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council is looking for innovative ways to keep afloat. It recently published a report on exploring certification of its workforce. The council says certification is one way to strengthen and sustain skilled workers. Another solution is to engage employers, educators and training providers in ensuring employees have opportunities to upgrade skills and build morale.
The Employment Journey staff attended the day-long event April 24. Career counselors, teachers and others interested or involved in promoting job skill development or career exploration heard speakers and participated in a Q & A session. We learned that social networking technology like blogs and viral videos may reach job seekers and employers more often in the near future. Check out the CDA website at www.peicda.ca .
How may we reach out to you job seekers and employers more in this highly technical age? Email us your views at employ@pei.aibn.com.
The Employment Journey is funded by the Canada/ Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (www.lmda.pe.ca).
]]>The summer 2009 employment season should boom on PEI
http://www.employmentjourney.com/blog/index.php?entry=entry090402-095756
March/ April issue is your summer employment information source.
We talked to many employers at the Tourism Showcase, and they say the demand is going to be great for employees in retail, food and beverage service and accommodations.
A recent Guardian article reported on the staggering number of visitors expected: 4,400 athletes and coaches from Canada Games; 63,000 passengers from 41 cruise ships and 28,000 delegates from 200 meetings and conventions. Impress employers at a job interview with those stats!
Do you plan to work or volunteer for the 2009 Canada Games? If you do, you could get the gold medal for adding that “Wow” factor to your résumé.
Research shows volunteer work is as valuable as paid work. Think about it and let us know what you think. Email us at employ@pei.aibn.com.
What's inside our March/ April issue of The Employment Journey?
• 2009 Canada Summer Games needs more staff and volunteers • Western PEI manufacturing company is expanding • Information Technology company is growing • Optical business looks to the future • Entrepreneur breaks down barriers with persistence • Agriculture sector salutes employer and employee • Fishermen go into the carpentry business • Jobs in tourism • Job interview tips • Labour Market Information websites to help your job search • Youth programs • Adult Education
In other news:
A new round of applications to the Community Infrastructure Program was announced March 11. Small communities have another chance to get funding in roads, water, sport and recreation, culture and tourism.
Five family medicine residents will start the two-year residency program this July. They will be working at the QEH, Prince County Hospital and communities throughout PEI. The residents will work with licensed doctors who will act as mentors. This program was established with the goal to have doctors, who train on PEI, establish practices here.
Graham Watts of Kilmuir was awarded the prestigious Frank H. Sobey Award. The award recognizes business students who have excelled academically and demonstrated a commitment to extracurricular and community activities. In 1999, Graham started Nature Trails that makes walking sticks, bird houses, bird feeders, bat houses and twig pencils.
Read more about the fourth-year UPEI student’s story in our March/ April 2008 issue. Go to our homepage and click Archives on the top menu.
PEI Literacy Alliance published a special newsletter for International Adult Learners Week. We have known all along that adult learners’ stories are inspirational. Reading their stories lets you know that anything is possible.
Read Jeanne Roche’s story in our March/ April issue.
The Charlottetown Rotary Club published its annual supplement of PEI businesses March 24. Finance, retail, health, animal health, law and more were featured.
These people may help you get connected to an education and/ or career you want.
The Employment Journey is funded by the Canada/ Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement (www.lmda.pe.ca) ]]>
;)
