The Volunteer Connection

Often volunteerism and employment, including job search, tend to fall into two separate categories in most people’s minds, and for many there isn’t time to engage in both simultaneously. However, for job seekers, and also those who are underemployed or precariously employed, volunteering can lead to actual employment. Indeed, volunteering can even lead to a dream job.

When we consider working for free, or volunteering, we tend to make placement choices based on interests, passions and a sense of ethical responsibility. There are so many great options, including working with vulnerable populations, animals, or environmental protection. Volunteering, for most people, is about giving back and/or community engagement in a way that really resonates with who we are and what drives us. What many don’t realize is that volunteering is also a powerful assessment tool, particularly if we are considering actual employment in a specific area, and especially if we are planning to invest time and money via education in order to work in said area. For example, having a love for animals generally motivates people to train in the field. However, there are likely aspects of a job working with animals that animal lovers may find difficult or even impossible, such as euthanasia.

Investing a few hours of volunteer time to ensure a particular career choice is a solid fit is well worth it, especially as the cost of post-secondary training is expensive. The cost of being in an unsustainable job, with stress and subsequent job loss is immeasurably high. By volunteering you get the information you need to assess whether or not a career in that field is a good fit, and you also get to give back in a way that is tangible and significant. It’s a win/win!

All altruism aside, perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of volunteering is that it often leads to actual employment, and/or contributes to hands-on experience in your employment target. Many volunteer positions offer free training and all of this makes your resume significantly stronger and more effective. Volunteering also provides an excellent venue for marketing your skills/abilities, as well as networking to other potential employers. It’s a “boots on the ground” approach to your job search that cannot be understated! For more information about the benefits of volunteering, as well as resources for finding awesome volunteer opportunities, check out: https://www.workbc.ca/WorkBC-Blog/Read-WorkBC-s-Blog/Three-Benefits-of-Volunteering.aspx.

For local opportunities to volunteer check out Oceanside Volunteer Association.

 

 

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

At Weatherwise, we invest in our employees. Cross-training is stressed to create streamlined customer service as much as possible. It is helpful when everyone knows what everyone else does within the business. Training is aimed at learning to appreciate the company as a whole not just the one role. Having an appreciation for all roles in the company is key and understanding the nuts and bolts of everyone’s role makes it a more relaxing team atmosphere. For example, teaching shipping/receiving. Even though it is not the person’s official role, it makes it easier for lunch break coverage and the employee is more comfortable and relaxed about filling in. Cross-training also allows for in-house hiring when vacancies become available. We invest in our employees right from day one. We are an equal opportunity employer.

How many employees do you have?

We presently have 8 employees.

What do you look for in a new employee?

Mindfulness. No experience in lumber required; we can teach that. As this is a customer oriented business, the ability to be versatile helps with customer service.

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

Have a good sense of humour, be mindful, show that you are comfortable working independently and also as a team. Show you are flexible to do a split role – for example, customer service and yard worker.

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

Yes, a Customer Service/Sales position.

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

In person at Weatherwise Cedar Products at 1282 Alberni Highway.

Mature job seekers – local Employers are looking for you! Starting February 24th, the Career Centre will be offering a 4-week program, From Retired to Rehired: Putting Your Experience to Work. This skills training program is aimed at preparing you for interesting work in the Hospitality and Retail fields in the Parksville-Qualicum area. To learn more about this exciting program attend an Information Session either Tuesday, February 4, 2:00pm to 3:30pm or Thursday, February 6, 10:00am to 11:30am. More information in this week’s hot sheet.

 

Black Press is hosting an Extreme Education and Career Fair in Comox, Thursday, January 23, 11:00am to 3:00pm. This event will feature employers, education institutions and service providers throughout the Central Island region that are ready to help you on your career path. See this week’s hot sheet for a  list of tentative educational institutions and prospective employers that will be present at the career fair.