There’s still a grey market for jobs out there on the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria, says Denise Smith of Beacon Community Services (BCS).
Employers, she said, are more often than not turning to people they know to help them find new workers in a variety of fields. It’s a departure from the traditional posting of jobs either in paper or online.
It’s a continuing trend for people like Smith, the WorkBC team lead and client advisor for employment services at BCS.
That’s why, Smith said during an open house at BCS in Sidney on Dec. 17, they offer programs and services for people who need work, enabling them to tap into that grey area.
“Connecting with the community is key,” she said. “The more people you know, the better your chances (at finding employment) are.”
Doing that can require a certain skill set and that’s what people like Smith and the BCS team of client advisors try to teach. People of any age or level of experience can access programs like this at BCS, said Smith.
“It’s a safe, respectful place for people to access services,” she continued.
BCS is home to a variety of employment services, offered through various provincial and federal programs. The Sidney location is owned by BCS and the three-floor building has space for youth seeking work, families, parents and adults looking for an opportunity.
“We try to assess our clients’ needs as best we can,” said Smith, adding in addition to one-on-one services, they offer a variety of workshops on such topics as resume-writing and cover letter development.
It has been a good year for BCS, Smith continued, adding the goal of the open house is to welcome clients back and help spread the word about what BCS can offer to job-seekers.
To learn more, visit www.beaconcs.ca or drop by their Third Street office in Sidney, next to the town hall.