Help! I need a Job! Where do I go?

LOCAL INDUSTRY

Where can I get a JOB?

With the closing of General Electric and the announced closing of General Motors, we wondered what do those displaced employees do? Is it possible that there’s a silver lining?

Technology change has been a constant throughout history. The 80s had worries about the effects of computers on the employment of people who work in an office; the late 19th century caused a panic as the industrial revolution took hold.

The loss of General Electric in Peterborough has put a lot of people out of work. Many of GE’s employees worked there for over 10 years. Some have been there for over 29 years. It’s going to be a difficult transition, but there is help out there.

James Bogar, President of Cameron Steel Inc. in Lindsay, has created 6 new jobs that have been filled by ex-General Electric employees. James told us that if he could find more good Machinists, he would be able to take on more work. Cameron Steel pays very competitive wages, ranging from $28 to $35 per hour. They also offer benefits, and a starting vacation of 3 weeks.

The difficulty in finding workers such as welders, tool and die makers, machinists and millwrights has long been a problem for industrial companies. A recent survey by the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance reported that 41 per cent of employers would hire more people if they could find those with the skills they needed.

The Workforce Development Board/Local Employment Planning Council website has many resources for both Employers and Job Seekers. They have an

abundance of information that can be very helpful, including - Job Boards, Programs and Resources for Entrepreneurs, Employment Support Services and Apprenticeship Opportunities. Workforce Development Board tie together much of the information which is helpful in your job search. Their website is very user friendly, and so are their staff. www.wdb.ca

Another avenue to consider is becoming an Entrepreneur. For some people, this is the answer to a happy and fulfilling career. There is help for people inclined to strike out on their own.

Community Futures offers confidential one-onone business consultations at no cost to you. They can help you with your business plan,offer loans and are the gateway to grants to get started. Visit their website, and browse around. www.communityfuturespeterborough.ca

There is also help through Economic Development. They have programs designed to provide business training for Entrepreneurs; such as Starter Company Plus and New Venture Sessions. www.peterboroughed.ca

While it’s devastating to find yourself out of a job, there is help out there. Make use of the services available. If you do your research, you may find more than you expected - you may actually find your dream career.