OLIVER — There are upwards of 400 up for grabs in the south Okanagan and on Wednesday, job seekers got a chance to learn about some of those opportunities at a job fair in Oliver.
Brandon Kirs recently returned back to the Okanagan says the job fair is giving him hope that he will find employment soon.
“Seems like there’s more work in the area than I’ve expected,” says Kirs.
The job fair is hosted by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Okanagan Training and Development Council, and WorkBC.
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“The Osoyoos Indian Band is one of the biggest employers, if not the biggest, in the south Okanagan. So it worked out for both of us to highlight positions and connect job seekers with people needing employees,” says Melanie Guza, an associate program director with Open Door Group, which is contracted out by WorkBC.
One of the band’s latest job creators is the Okanagan Correctional Centre near Oliver, where 240 peace officers and 60 support staff will be needed.
Chief Clarence Louie says the lucrative government jobs have attracted plenty of applications.
“Throughout the country when it travel, native and non-natives ask: When can I send my resumes?”
In addition to businesses recruiting workers, a local college also setting up shop to offer training for those looking to change direction.
“We offer programs suited to the local economy in a short period of time,” says Darla Lamberty, a career advisor with Sprott Shaw College. “Healthcare is desperately looking for good workers, so we do the healthcare program and we do the nursing program.”
A second job fair is scheduled for Thursday, April 14 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Spirit Ridge at NK’MIP Resort in Osoyoos.