Even though COVID-19 has forced many local businesses to temporarily shut their doors, municipal economic development officials say others are hiring.
Essential businesses across industries such as health, agriculture, manufacturing, service delivery, finance, and many more are actively seeing new employees for both part-time and full-time roles.
“There is no doubt that businesses have been hard hit in recent weeks, but there are still many who are hiring new staff in order to provide important products and services that we need,” Jamie Rainbird, Manager at Chatham-Kent Economic Development, said in a media release. “In our conversations with business leaders, it is very clear that workforce needs continue to be a top priority.”
In an effort to help address the labour market demands, the municipal jobs board has been undergoing a series of updates to make it easier for both people to find jobs and for employers to list them.
“When people visit www.chatham-kent.ca/jobs, they are able to search through a variety of community positions currently available,” said Matthew Keech, Program Manager with Chatham-Kent Employment & Social Services. “We have also made it easier for businesses to add their job listings to the online jobs board and continue to streamline the process.
“People seeking employment opportunities may find support through the help of Employment Resource Advisors at the Chatham-Kent Employment Resource Centre at 519-436-1123,” he added. “The advisors can help with job search resources, leads, and information on area employers. The advisors are also available to assist businesses with posting job opportunities.”
One example of jobs that have been recently posted include Whyte’s pickle’s in Wallaceburg, which is looking to hire forklift operators, general labour, and a machine operator.
Economic Development has also been working with a variety of other partners including the Goodwill Career Centre, St. Clair College Employment Centre, and Settlement Services career development team.
