Opportunities for FREE training for youth, a Client Appreciation BBQ, job postings galore and resources to assist you in your job search! Check out the JAM Update for September 9th – CLICK HERE!

 

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

A family-owned propane dealer since 1993, Ready Propane provides bulk propane delivery, cylinder sales and rentals, and cylinder re-qualification services to its many residential and commercial customers.

We currently operate throughout the mid-Vancouver Island region. From Cassidy to Nanaimo, Lantzville to Courtenay, and west to Port Alberni. Administrative functions and daily delivery operations originate from our main yard located in Parksville.

Besides being a local company, we are a small, like-minded group who believe customer service sets us apart from our competition.  We are an equal opportunity employer. We are safety focused, offer competitive wages, steady employment, paid training, and a great work life balance.

How many employees do you have?

We have 5 full time employees and 2 part time employees

What do you look for in a new employee?

Firstly, we look for individuals who will be a good fit within our small team.  As a representative of our company, employees must be professional, yet personable. A willingness to learn new skills, to work indoors or out, and handle a fast-paced work environment are also standout qualities we look for. In addition, any new employee must love living on the island and have a well-rounded life outside of work. We believe this is important for an employees’ physical and mental well-being.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

We would recommend any person interested in working for our organization learn as much as you can about propane, our company, and what sets us apart from our competition.  Additionally, we value a lifelong learner, great work ethic, and a desire to grow with the company.

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so, for what types of positions?

Yes! We are looking to hire a Full Time Propane Technician 1 to our team in September 2024. Be on the lookout for our job posting if you are interested in joining our team.

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

If you are interested in working for Ready Propane, please email your resume, and a short introductory message to:   k.orr@readypropane.com. No walk-ins please.

 

September is Disability Employment Month in British Columbia, and the Career Centre is proud to highlight the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, as well as the employers and communities that champion their success. Over half a million British Columbians live with various disabilities, including physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Individuals with disabilities may encounter barriers in the workplace such as discrimination during recruitment, insufficient disability awareness among employers, and a reluctance to provide reasonable accommodations. Employers must avoid inappropriate questions during the hiring process and should offer accommodations like accessible formats for written materials and accessible application processes. Misconceptions about employees with disabilities—such as the belief that they are less productive or more costly—are unfounded. In reality, people with disabilities represent a highly skilled but underutilized talent pool that can meet today’s workforce demands. The Job Accommodation Network reports that 57% of employees with disabilities require no additional accommodation costs, with most requests for flexible hours, job redesign, and additional training.

If you have a disability and are job hunting, you may be uncertain about whether to disclose it to a prospective employer. While you are not legally required to disclose your disability if you don’t need accommodations, it is wise to consider your strengths and barriers when applying for jobs. The “Disclosing Your Disability – A Legal Guide for People with Disabilities in BC,” produced by the Disability Alliance of BC, offers valuable insights on disclosure and accommodations, including a table outlining the pros and cons of disclosure at various stages of your job search. Remember, while employers can ask if you can meet the job requirements, they cannot legally inquire about your disability during an interview.

For employers, numerous resources are available to help assess and improve the accessibility and inclusivity of your workplace in areas such as facilities, customer service, policies, hiring practices, and communications. Understanding the principles of accessibility—dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity—is crucial. You can explore tools and guidelines here:

Accessibility HR Toolkit https://www.supportedemployment.ca/hrtoolkit/accommodations/.

Navigating employment and community involvement with a life-changing disability requires resilience and courage. By focusing on your unique strengths and the support provided by compassionate and accommodating employers, we can work together to build a more inclusive community.

Explore our workshops at the Career Centre, such as “Branding You” https://www.careercentre.org/workshops-events/.

Looking to enhance your personal resilience? Check out this useful guide and workbook From Surviving to Thriving Guide https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/pdf/From_Surviving_to_Thriving_EN.pdf.

 Find additional resources to help you succeed: https://www.workbc.ca/Resources-for/People-with-Disabilities.aspx.

“Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you’re donating blood.” – Quote from Actor Bill Murray.

We’ve got a JAM Update packed with information about available employment opportunities, FREE electrical and carpentry training for Youth in the fall and much more. Click here for information you will find useful!