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K & S Railings Ltd

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

K & S Railings has a mission to combine safety and aesthetic appeal by working together as a team to bring our customers dream property to life. Being the industry leader on Vancouver Island that provides purposeful employment to great people and brings form, function, and innovation to all our projects.

The company purchased a property in Parksville in 2021, with plans to expand our manufacturing capacity to meet the needs of our growing customer list. More recently, we have continued our expansion by leasing a second shop space in Parksville, allowing us to set up our now fully operational in-house powder coating facility. This allows us to offer a wider range of products to locations across Vancouver Island that we were previously unable to service due to limited capacity. Reaching more customers and providing a streamlined service will allow K & S Railings to continue to be the preferred manufacturer for new builds, large or small, and renovation projects on Vancouver Island.

 As a company, we recognize that to attract the right people we need to create an organizational culture that allows for team members to find purpose in the work they do, feel seen, heard, and appreciated for their efforts, and are compensated appropriately for the energy they contribute. We offer equitable baseline wage rates for every position, an improved Extended Health & Dental benefits package which includes life insurance and long-term disability, and a company matching retirement savings plan. In addition to the compensation package, we also provide a team lunch/BBQ for the staff every Friday and allow for an after-work social hour at the end of day on Fridays. We do monthly team building activities and awards, and host two significant staff parties each year. By doing our best to ensure our team feels valued and appreciated, we have been able to build a core team of employees whose goals align with the company’s mission to be the industry leading railing manufacturing company on Vancouver Island.

How many employees do you have?

27

What do you look for in a new employee?

When hiring new employees we look for candidates with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, an understanding of general safety protocols and reliability.  Having experience in using industry specific tools and equipment would be considered an asset.

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

We would encourage them to highlight their relevant experience, skills and enthusiasm for the industry. Additionally, we would let them know that we value a strong work ethic and advise them to be prepared to showcase their problem solving abilities and willingness to learn.

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

K&S is currently hiring for the following positions:

 Shop Labour/Aluminum Finisher (Nanaimo) Entry-level

Shop Labour/Aluminum Finisher (Parksville) Entry-level

Junior Estimator (Parksville)

Aluminum Welder (Parksville)

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

Please send applications (resume) to chantelle@kandsrailings.ca

JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR YOUTH

Getting your first job when you’re young and eager can be a big challenge. But guess what? If you are checking out our website and what we have to offer, you’re already taking a crucial step forward. It shows you’re serious about making things happen!

We know that lots of young people struggle with the idea that “no experience means no job.” But here’s the good news: employers face a similar struggle. They’re often on the hunt for dependable folks who are willing to start at the bottom.

So, how do you break this cycle? Well, by getting involved! Start with volunteer gigs or opportunities for work experience. These aren’t just about gaining skills, they’re also about building relationships with potential employers. That way, when job openings pop up, you’ll already have your foot in the door!

Here’s a game plan:

• Work on your resume: Whether you’re creating your first one or sprucing up an existing one, there are plenty of tips and resources out there to help.
• Consider volunteering or participating in work experience: Employers are more likely to hire someone they know, so this is a great way to get noticed.
• Show employers you’re serious by taking on these roles: Once you’ve got some experience under your belt, add it to your resume and position yourself as a valuable candidate.
• Apply for positions with purpose: Instead of saying you’ll take anything, show employers what you can bring to the table. Think about what their organization aims to provide and how you can contribute to that.

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Think about what they’re trying to achieve and how you can help. By sharing your experiences and ideas, you’ll show them why you’re the perfect fit for the job!

Here are some helpful links to help you get started on your Job Search:

Career Centre Job Board

Interview Tips from WorkBC

Tips for Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Explore Training and Education

Job Bank

Youth – participate in FREE WHMIS training during Youth Week and receive a $15 Quality Foods Gift Card! Learn about this and many other opportunities for employment and training in your JAM for April 22nd.