Seasonal Quandary
by Jennifer McAlpine
Career Link LMI Specialist
Seasonal work has long been an important aspect of the Canadian labour market. With a large resource sector and one of the most varied climates in the world, Canada naturally exhibits large seasonal fluctuations in productivity and employment.
Within British Columbia the demand for seasonal workers is expected to increase at an average rate of 3.5% per year in the next 5-10 years for the tourism industry alone. The gap between potential labour supply and demand in the tourism sector is expected to intensify, when a large proportion of the Canadian population passes age 65 and the baby-boom generation begins leaving the labour force in large numbers. This will precipitate a dramatic slowdown in the growth of Canada’s overall labour force, resulting in a shortage of workers to replace the soaring number of retirees.
In response to this challenge of seasonal employment in the tourism industry, 365jobs - a Seasonal Employee Exchange Program – has been launched. Operating throughout British Columbia and funded by the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, 365jobs professes to help workers rotate between summer and winter positions, assisting them as they move from seasonal to long-term employment, while at the same time helping employers avoid the time and cost of seasonal hiring. Seasonality in the tourism industry is one of the most significant employment issues for employers and employees alike as was indicated in a study entitled The Future of Canada’s Tourism Sector: Long on Prospects, Short on People., coordinated nationally by The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council and The Conference Board of Canada with assistance from go2, BC.s tourism human resource association for British Columbia. http://tiny.cc/rnqCu
365jobs claims to “ease the burden of seasonal employment on tourism operators, employees and the Province as a higher number of people will be employed year round, thus reducing recruitment and training costs, the challenge of having to spend time looking for your next job and the savings in Employment Insurance that will all result from this program.”
How 365jobs Works:
Companies with job vacancies and employment candidates can register online. 365jobs staff throughout British Columbia will then personally work to match employment candidates with job postings.
All of the job candidates go through an extensive psychometric assessment which highlights job suitability through the evaluation of abilities, interests and personality. This assessment coupled with personal interviews ensures that businesses receive candidates that are suited to the specific role at hand and that the jobs found for candidates are also a good match. 365jobs works closely with the employers and candidates throughout the entire recruitment process. 365jobs is not a job board - it is a service that directly connects tourism operators with skilled workers looking for continuous employment throughout the year. To learn more about the guidelines for the program and to see if you are eligible please visit www.365jobs.ca or call 250.382.3303 ext. 212.
