7June/July/Aug 2019www.employmentjourney.com

O’Leary Job Fair brought together many employers looking to hireContinued…

Royal Canadian Naval Reserves, Charlottetown

Jobs: Reservists

“Working in the Reserves is great for high school and post-secondary students because it is part-time work that allows more flexibility to allow people to complete their education while training and getting experience in many occupations,” says Jaime Donaldson.

There are five military establishments on PEI. The Royal Canadian Naval Reserves has a presence at HMCS Queen Charlotte, Queen Charlotte Armory, and the Signals Regiment at Victoria Park. There is also a supply depot in the Charlottetown Business Park and a recruiting centre.

There are about 250 Reservists on PEI, including about 18 full-time positions. HMCS Queen Charlotte has about 90 to 100 people, including those away on contract training or on deployment. PEI Regiment has about 120 people, and Signals Regiment has about 40 people.

At HMCS Queen Charlotte, 14 occupations are offered by the Canadian Armed Forces. Officer occupations require university completion. They are groomed to become leaders and managers.

“Many job options are available for Reservists, such as Technicians and Specialists, Human Resource Administrator, Financial Services, and Logistics Officer,” says Jaime. “We have job opportunities in the Reserves and the regular Armed Forces.”

“For students, training is scheduled around the academic year. They are guaranteed employment every Wednesday and one Saturday a month. More work is available, depending on their availability. People with full course loads may work in the evenings. In the summer, full-time employment is available.”

The enrollment process can take up to three months. “The earlier you get in, the more you start to realize the benefits. People are accepted up to age 57. There are a lot more options than people realize. It will be the best decision you ever make.”

Jaime says this career path offers over 100 occupations to choose from. “I joined the Reserves in 2009. I had just finished my first year at UPEI and was looking for a job for the summer that would challenge me and would help me stay in shape, because I was on the UPEI hockey team.

“When I joined the Reserves, I worked full-time for the summer and came back in better shape than when I started. I loved the experience so much I am still a Reservist 10 years later.

“I trained and was certified as a Human Resource Administrator. I jumped at the opportunity to become a Recruiter because I really like sharing my story. This career has allowed me to get my degree, play hockey, and travel.

“Human Resources through the Armed Forces falls under logistics training. Your trade choice determines where you will be stationed. I attended CFB Borden, Ontario to do basic and trades training, which was accomplished in about four months. All was paid for by the Armed Forces.”

Jaime was able to combine university and reservist training, and earned a degree in biology and one in psychology. She took advantage of the flexibility offered by the Reserves by taking off a summer to travel.

“When I told my parents that I wanted to join, they were very hesitant because they didn’t want me to be in a position where I could be deployed. But Reserves is not a career choice where that would happen.”

For more details, call 1-902-569-6130, or visit the HMCS Queen Charlotte or the PEI Regiment on Water Street in Charlottetown. Visit www.forces.ca

Community Inclusions Ltd., Tignish, Alberton, and O’Leary

Jobs: Bakers, Café Attendants, Residential Group Home Community Support Workers, and Employment Workers.

Community Inclusions Ltd. provides employment, residential, recreational, and day services to adults with intellectual challenges in western PEI.

Maple House Bakery & Café is a great success story for Community Inclusions. “Our bakery products fly off the shelf as soon as they are made, and we can’t keep up,” says Kevin Porter.“We need more staff, and we are looking at hiring a Baker for the early mornings to prepare for the busy day ahead.

“A big part of the bakery’s success is the café, which offers a variety of home-made soups, sandwiches, subs, various breakfast offerings, and other items made from scratch,” says Kevin.

They are open seven days a week all year. “Since we had a busy summer last year, we want to make sure we have enough café attendants.”

There is also a need for Residential Group Home & Community Support Workers for their Residential Day Services. “We are looking to add to the casual list.

“Being on the list can often lead to other opportunities in the organization. We are growing, and in the past year we have added a new supported living home, which added four permanent staff to the organization. There are plans to add another home in the future.”

For more information, contact Kevin Porter at 902-726-3144. Visit www.communityinclusions.com or search Maple House Bakery & Café and Community Inclusions on Facebook.

Many construction jobs on PEI

Jobs: generally speaking, all trades in the construction industry are in demand, including:• Plumbing • Electrical • Roofing • Bricklaying/masonry • Carpenters • Cabinet makers• Refrigeration (HVAC) • Truck drivers • Concrete specialists • Safety professionals • Project managers • Site managers• Architects • Engineers • Labourers • Floor Installers • Renovation managers • Environmental Technologists• Heavy equipment operators• Welders and related machine operators• Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)• Electrical power line and cable workers• Ironworkers and structural metal fabricators

Riley Aiello regularly meets with CAPEI members and posts their many open positions on www.workpei.ca and www.islandbuilder.ca He is also happy to meet with people interested in a career in construction.

“For the most part, entry-level positions wage range is from $13 to $18 an hour, experienced trades range from $14 to $22, and certified trades workers earn $25 an hour plus. There is job security, and many companies offer benefits.”

For more information about the Construction Association of PEI, call 902-368-3303 or email hr@capei.ca Visit www.capei.ca or www.IslandBuilder.ca

Jaime Donaldson, Recruiter.

Riley Aiello HR Manager, Construction Association of PEI (CAPEI).

A wide variety of employers connected with job seekers in Charlottetown to discuss their hiring needs. Sectors such as manufacturing, construction, policing, energy, tourism, finance, and retail were represented.

by Heidi Riley & Stacy Dunn

Last year, Jasmine Doucette found a job after attending the SkillsPEI job fair. “I had been looking for work for quite a while. I researched companies, worked on my resumé, and read The Employment Journey to find out how to improve my skills, find out what employers were looking for, and where I could fit in.

“I never thought of working in retail, because I had previous experience working in a hotel. Last year at the job fair I gave my resumé to representatives of The Atlantic Superstore. I was interested in the bakery department because I like baking cakes and cookies.

“A few weeks later, I was called in for an interview, and I got the job. I was so happy, and to this day I love working at the Superstore. I like the people part the best, and it is year-round work.

“This year, I brought two friends with me to the SkillsPEI job fair to help them find the right job. All they need is a bit of encouragement.”

Jasmine Doucette

Jobseeker finds success at the job fair

SkillsPEI Job Fair in Charlottetown

Kevin Porter, Executive Director.

The Charlottetown Job Fair was hosted by SkillsPEI. For a list of current job opportunities, visit www.workpei.ca

OSCO Construction Group,Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague, Souris

Jobs: Ready-Mix Truck Drivers, Pump Operators, Tractor Trailer Drivers.

OSCO Construction Group is a collection of companies operating in steel, concrete and construction. They serve a variety of markets throughout Atlantic and Western Canada, the Eastern US, and the Caribbean.

OSCO is the parent company of Schurman Concrete and MacLean’s Ready Mix, which provide ready-mix concrete for residential, commercial, government or industrial projects throughout PEI. About 100 to 150 employees work at the four locations on PEI.

“We operate year-round, and we hire more people for our busy season, which is April to December,” says Kyla Burry. “The job most in demand is Ready Mix Drivers, who deliver concrete all over PEI. A big part of the job is customer service. They interact with the Dispatcher, make sure the concrete is what the customer ordered, maneuver trucks into tight spots on construction sites, and ensure the concrete is poured in the right spot.

“Pump Operators work with hydraulics and remote controls to pump concrete into hydraulic trucks, and then into the right spot on the work site. Tractor Trailer Drivers haul sand and aggregate across Atlantic Canada.

“All roles require a Class 3A drivers license. We look for people with customer service backgrounds and driving experience. It is a huge asset to know the Island well, so that they can find the worksites.

“It is difficult to find people with the skills we look for, because many of them are working in Alberta right now. We offer competitive wages, and we offer people the ability to go home at the end of the day and be with their families.”

Open positions are posted on workpei.ca and with the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada. To apply, drop in at a location with a resumé, and take the opportunity to speak with someone in the office.

For more information about OSCO Construction Group, visit www.oceansteel.com or www.macleanspei.ca

Team Seafood and Farm Team PEI

“The programs are designed to promote student employment in the farming and seafood processing sectors,” says Christopher Gillis.

Along with their regular wages during the summer months, students going into grade 11 or 12 who work at least 250 hours will receive a $500 bursary. Those attending university or college who work at least 500 hours will receive a $1,000 bursary to put towards their education.

“Many employers are seeing labour shortages, and this bursary program is a way to encourage people to work in the primary industries of fishing and agriculture, and potentially engage them longer-term.

“Opportunities are available from tip to tip across PEI. Eleven seafood processing plants are participating, and any farm across the Island is also eligible to apply for student positions.

“It is a great opportunity for young people coming into the work force to gain skills, experience, and exposure to our primary industries.”

For more about the program, visit www.peifarmteam.caor www.teamseafood.caEmail join@teamseafood.cajoin@peifarmteam.ca

Camp Gencheff, Stratford

Jobs: Junior Camp Counsellors

Camp Gencheff is a year-round recreational facility that offers camps in the summer to children, teens and adults with special needs, weekend camps in the fall and winter, and event rental space to corporations and organizations.

“We have been so lucky with our staff throughout the years,” says Nicole Ward. “Most are returning, but we do need Junior Camp Counsellors. Their duties include working with otherstaff, looking after the campers’ personal care and dietary needs, and making sure they have an unforgettable experience.”

The camp is looking for post-secondary students, ideally taking a human services program, who have previous experience working with people with disabilities. “They should be open to working overnight.”

In the off-season from October to May, Camp Gencheff holds two weekend camps a month. One camp is for youth ages 10 to 16, and one is for adults 17 and over. “Working at these camps is ideal for post-secondary students because it doesn’t conflict with their schooling.”

Many staff have been with Camp Gencheff for the long term. Some nursing students who worked as Counsellors moved on to become a camp nurse. “We also welcome volunteers to come see if Camp Gencheff is a good fit for them, or if a career in helping people with disabilities is for them.

“Sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Charlottetown and Easter Seals has allowed us to keep costs affordable for campers and their families,” Nicole says. “The Provincial Credit Union, Lions Club, and other community organizations and members are also major supporters of the camp.”

For more information about Camp Gencheff, call 902-569-2669. Visit www.campgencheff.com.

Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites, Charlottetown

Jobs: Front Desk/Night Auditors, Housekeeping, Breakfast Attendants

This five-star boutique hotel has 22 apartments and 18 hotel rooms that are rented out long-term from October to May, and by the night during peak season.

“We are one of a kind,” says Brian Spence. “We bring the history of the 1857 Notre Dame Convent to a unique modern-day boutique inn.”

About 25 people work there in the summer in full-time, part-time, seasonal, or permanent positions.

“Front Desk Clerk can be the hardest position to fill,” says Brian. “They need to be super outgoing, able to spark a conversation with anyone, recommend places to see and things to do, be helpful and resolve situations, be confident working by themselves, and happy to show up for work. It is hard to find that.

“Experience is an asset, but I am a firm believer in giving someone their first chance. If they have the passion and the confidence and want to learn, we can teach them the skills they need.

“I started on the front desk, and in two years, worked my way up to manager. There is always room to grow.”

To apply, drop off your resumé in person, or email info@sydneyinn.com For more information, visit www.sydneyinn.com

RCMP

Jobs: Police Officers, Dispatch Operators, Federal Public Service positions (various)

“We are looking for employees to fill vacant positions across Canada,” says Constable Hope Rose. “For Police Officer training, we are projecting 40 troops, each troop comprising 32 people (1,280 in total) will be going through our training academy this year. We have an average vacancy rate of six percent across Canada at the moment.

“We are interested in people who are committed to serving their community, who have common sense, good judgment, can stay calm in difficult circumstances, listen well, are physically fit, and willing to protect others no matter who they are, sometimes at personal cost to themselves.

“The application process can be lengthy. It takes time to do thorough background checks which go back 10 years. We investigate the applicant’s character, work, and educational references, and do a polygraph examination as well as health, psychological, and security assessments.

“There is no age limit to join, but you need to pass the basic physical, psychological, hearing, and vision requirements. If you have surgery to meet the vision standards, there is a waiting period before you can apply, ensuring your full recovery before being exposed to the rigorous police training.”

Constable Rose suggests applicants volunteer in their community and maintain a steady job while waiting for the process to complete. “If you come to work with a positive attitude, work hard, and treat the people you come in contact with respect, your reference will reflect that. That work ethic is something the RCMP is looking for when hiring people to fill those vacant positions.

“Going back to school is a good option if you are interested in working in a specific area of the RCMP, such as computer science (computer crime), or physics (traffic analysis). There are over 150 different career opportunities in the RCMP. Chances are, there will be one that will match your interests.”

To begin the application process, visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/how-to-apply For Federal Public Service positions, visitwww.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html or www.canada.ca/fr.html

MAXIMUS Canada - DeltaWare Division, Charlottetown

Jobs: eHealth Consultant, Programmer Analyst, Senior Systems Architect

“Our company has experienced significant growth over the past several months with more than 20 new hires joining since January of 2019.” says Susan MacPhail. “The remaining openings are for intermediate to senior level roles.

“In saying that, we are always open to receiving résumés from applicants at all levels. We provide opportunities to students from local educational institutions including UPEI and Holland College and have recently hired several new graduates.”

Susan says the more senior roles can be the most difficult to fill. “We have a few positions that require someone with several years of experience, as well as strong leadership skills, and it can be challenging to find the right mix of skills and experience.”

To apply, email hr@maximuscanada.ca or drop off a résumé at the office at the Atlantic Technology Centre, Suite 300. Visit www.maximuscanada.ca/careers

Kyla Burry, HR Generalist, OSCO.

Christopher Gillis, representing Team Seafood and Farm Team PEI.

Some employers describe their hiring needs

8June/July/Aug 2019 www.employmentjourney.com

SkillsPEI Job Fair in Charlottetown Continued…

Constable Hope Rose, Pro-Active Recruiting Coordinator, Prince Edward Island RCMP-“L” Division.

Susan MacPhail, Manager, HR & Administrative Services.

Brian Spence, Front Desk Manager, and Meghan MacDonald, Front Desk Clerk.

Nicole Ward, Camp Manager.

Atlantic Superstore, Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown

Jobs: summer and year-round positions in all departments

About 230 people work at this location in full-time and part-time, daytime and overnight positions such as meat cutters, grocery clerks, food preparation, and online order preparation.

“I started as a cashier 15 years ago, I worked in many departments, and now I have a full-time position,” says Desiree Seymour. “There is so much opportunity.”

“Whether you are looking for a position just for the summer or year-round, we are looking for driven individuals who are passionate about customer service. Our hiring ramps up in the summer when we get busy with tourist traffic, and we need extra staff for outlets such as the garden centre.”

To apply, visit www.loblaw.ca and click careers.

Wood4Heating Canada Inc., Charlottetown

Jobs: Biomass Operators/Service Technicians

“Wood4Heating provides heating solutions that displace fossil fuels through carbon neutral renewable energy,” says Detlev Elsner. The company focuses on larger commercial-scale installations in government facilities from Tignish to Souris, such as schools, hospitals, manors, and the jail. They built and installed a heating plant to heat houses in a community in Tignish, and continue to provide the wood chips for fuel.

“Currently, four people work in the company. We have several contracts pending, and are looking to hire two people to help us grow.

“One Technician would drive a truck to deliver fuel, and the other will maintain the boilers to make sure they run as effectively as possible,” says Alex Pratt.

“The systems are quite sophisticated, and we realize we will not find someone who has all the skills needed. We are willing to train someone who has an interest in a broad range of things, such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical and controls, and the desire to grow and learn.”

To apply, email a resumé to jobs@wood4heating.com For more information about Wood4Heating Canada Inc.,visit www.wood4heating.com

Maritime Marzipan Confectionery, Charlottetown

Jobs: Retail staff.

The company is entering its second season. This summer, they will be selling their marzipan chocolates made with ground almonds at the new Founders Hall Food Market, which will open on the Charlottetown waterfront. The store will be open seven days a week in the summer.

“We are looking for motivated, dedicated people to sell our chocolates,” says Jessica Fritz. “Previous customer service experience is great, but we just want someone passionate and outgoing to join our growing team.”

To apply, send a cover letter and resumé to info@maritimemarzipan.com Visit www.maritimemarzipan.com

Public Schools Branch (PSB), Island-wide

Jobs: School Bus Drivers

School Bus Drivers are in high demand at the Public Schools Branch across PEI.

If you enjoy driving and working with children, this is the job for you! The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely operating the school bus on a regular daily schedule to transport children to and from school in the mornings and afternoons.

“School Bus Drivers start as casual and are placed on the substitute list, and can work their way up to a permanent position,” says Catherine MacKinnon. “Several drivers have been with us for 35 to 40+ years of service and love their job. Many are getting set to retire and we need to replenish our pool of Bus Drivers.”

To apply, all applicants need to provide proof of Grade 12 education or equivalent, a valid driver’s license for at least five years, and a vision test. They also need to submit proof of medical fitness, a driver’s abstract, and vulnerable sector criminal record check.

Upon successful completion of the Bus Driver Training Program, Public Schools Branch offers the third component which is a Student Management Program.

“PSB had a partnership with Rural Community Learning Inc. (RCLI) , Career Development Services and SkillsPEI to train Bus Drivers earlier this year and it went quite well.”

“To be a School Bus Driver, you have to love children and make them feel secure. As a School Bus Driver, you are part of the team,” Catherine says. “Great bus drivers care about their passengers, their colleagues, and their work. Every student has a story, and every Bus Driver has the opportunity to help make it a great one.

“As a School Bus Driver, you will have a chance to make a difference in a child’s life, and maybe your own as well.”

For more information, call 902-368-6836 or email camackinnon@edu.pe.ca. Jobs are advertised on the Public Schools Branch website and Career Development Services. Visit www.edu.princeedwardisland.ca/psb/ Visit www.cdspei.ca and click on Job Board.

Swiss Chalet/Harvey’s, Charlottetown

Jobs: Various kitchen positions, Dishwashers, Cashiers, Take-out Packers, and Servers.

Jeremy Jenkins says he has seen the demand for home delivery increase. “It’s where our food service culture is going, because people love the convenience. To maintain our service level for deliveries, we are doing more hiring.”

He says turnover is low and some people have worked at the restaurants for 20-plus years. “We like to hire high school students because it’s most likely their first job and we are teaching them skills they will need in the future.

“I started with Harvey’s in high school and worked there and at Swiss Chalet in various positions throughout university. I showed I was motivated and driven and was offered the management position.

“We do cross-training. You get to know all the positions, and you can grow into a Cook or Server position or into management,” says Jeremy. “We like to promote from within.

“When someone applies for a particular job, their skills may be suited to another job in our restaurants.”

To apply to Swiss Chalet/Harvey’s, visit www.swisschaletjobs.com and follow the links.

Red Shores, Charlottetown & Summerside

Jobs: Charlottetown & Summerside: Horse Race Ticket Sellers; Charlottetown: Cashiers, Security Officers

About 280 employees are hired as the peak season at Red Shoes gets underway in May. Staff work in gaming, security, food & beverage, maintenance, horse race ticket sellers and cashiers.

“You must be at least 19 years of age and we offer a wide variety of roles for potential candidates,” says Sandra Webster. “We offer casual, part-time and full-time opportunities.”

“Applying online is fairly easy. There are step-by-step instructions on how to upload your resumé. We keep the application on file until the position is filled.”

To apply, visit www.careerbeacon.com and search Red Shores. Visit www.redshores.ca Follow them on twitter @Red_Shores.

Action Aero, Charlottetown

Jobs: Repair & Overhaul Technicians

Since 2008, Action Aero has specialized in the repair and overhaul of fuel, oil, and air-related engine accessories installed on various engines. The company supports numerous aircraft such as Viking, Beech, Bell, Bombardier, Cessna, and Embraer.

Employee Myra Barquilla has been with the company since 2013. “I was a diesel mechanic in Manitoba before I considered a career change. I enrolled in the Holland College gas turbine technician program, and did my on-the-job training at Action Aero.”

Myra says she loves working with her hands. She works the evening shift from noon to 10 pm Monday to Thursday. The day shift is 7:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. There is overtime for busy times.

“We have great medical and dental plans and RRSPs. It’s a small company, about 35 employees, so it feels like family.”

For more information, call 902-370-3311. Visit www.actionaero.com.

Larkin Bros. Farm in New Glasgow & processing company in Crapaud

Jobs: General Labourers

Larkin Bros. is a poultry farm and processing company owned by brothers Paul and Harvey Larkin. They have been raising turkeys and chickens for 20 years. Their birds are grain fed without medication or antibiotics. In recent years, Larkin Bros has added many new products such as sausages, burgers, and meatballs.

The busy time of year is May to December, when staff numbers rise from five to 10 to 15. They sell about 1,500 turkeys for Thanksgiving and about 3,500 for Christmas. The slower winter months are spent caring for the poultry as they grow and planning for the busy times.

“The business grows a little bit each year and it seems to me people are more food conscious and want to buy local and eat healthy,” says Paul Larkin. “This has really helped our business grow.

“We are looking for labourers in both our farm and plant. We are looking for people who are very versatile and are willing to commit to working from May to December. We are willing to train.”

For more information, call 902-963-3185. Visit www.larkinbros.com 9

June/July/Aug 2019www.employmentjourney.com

SkillsPEI Job Fair in Charlottetown Continued…

From left, Alex Pratt, Biomass Operations Manager, and Detlev Elsner, Managing Director, Finance and Sales.

From left, Desiree Seymour, Health & Wellness Manager, and Jane Ellen Boyle, Financial Administration.

Owners Mike and Jessica Fritz.

Jeremy Jenkins, General Manager.

Sandra Webster, HR Business Partner.

Catherine MacKinnon, Coordinator of Transportation Services.

Myra Barquilla, Repair & Overhaul Technician.

Paul Larkin, Co-Owner.

Sue Webster and her husband Ken found a home they love and great careers on PEI.

The fields attracted much more than local bees. “Car loads of people stopped to view the beauty,” says Sarah. “The crop provided a good yield and required little maintenance. We planted and harvested 3.5 acres last year and we will expand as demand grows for the product.”

To prepare the seed for sale, they remove the seed from the sunflowers, dry and clean the seeds, combine the seed with local rolled corn and wheat, and bag the product for retail sales.

“Both retail and wholesale sales are going very well,” says Matthew. The bird seed is available at the following PEI locations:• Tignish Home Hardware Store, Tignish• Profits Race Trac Gas & Coffee Stop, Profit’s Corner• F J Shea & Son, St. Louis • Acadian Machine Works, Tignish• Illsley’s Feed and Farm Supply Ltd., Summerside

“We have received excellent feedback thus far,” says Sarah. “Customers love the bright yellow resealable bags, which hold 10 pounds and are light weight for easy handling. We are open to offer larger sizes if the demand is there.

“In the future, we plan to expand and market the product Island wide, purchase equipment for larger volume harvesting, and have product in more retail stores.”

10June/July/Aug 2019

Landing great careers in western PEI

Sue Webster and her husband Ken moved to Tignish, PEI from Ontario in October, 2018.

“We searched across Atlantic Canada for the perfect location and home,” says Sue. “We came to PEI for a quick visit to see a friend and grab some PEI red soil, met realtor Perry Batten, and the rest is history. As soon as we spotted the home on Church Street in Tignish, we knew this was the place for us.”

Sue was previously employed in an auto dealership, and her husband was a heavy equipment mechanic for the city of Kawartha Lakes in Ontario. They wanted a change and to move to the east coast. “We came to PEI for that short visit and we fell in love,” says Sue.

“A few months after moving to Tignish, I applied for various positions at the Tignish Co-operative, and I was offered the manager position at Tignish Home Hardware. I absolutely love my job. I worked with the staff to fine-tune the departments, and I am happy to say things are going very well.

“I enjoy all aspects of my work, the people I get to work with, and the customers. It is a complete pleasure to get to know the locals and see them walking out of the store as happy customers.

“I love the community of Tignish, its culture, and the welcoming and friendly people. The mayor of Tignish even came to our home to welcome us when we moved here. I was intrigued with the recent preparation for the fishing season, and I love the sounds of the birds and the sunsets off North Cape. I had my first feed of lobster ever this spring.”

Sue’s husband Ken was offered a position with the Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. “Everything fell into place for us. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

“I am an avid gardener, and we recently re-vamped the Home Hardware garden centre. We look forward to serving customers this spring and summer. We plan to hold some gardening sessions, and all the store staff will engage in some aspects of this department.”

Sue welcomes job seekers to email her their resumé and cover letter. “I really like cover letters. They provide an insight into the applicant’s interests and strengths.”

by Ruby Arsenault

Combining trucking in Alberta and entrepreneurship on PEI

www.employmentjourney.com

Sarah McAlduff and Matthew Handrahan in Christopher’s Cross near Tignish are very pleased with the beginning stages of their business, and so are the BIRDS!

by Ruby Arsenault

A new small business venture called Island Bird Tweets has been started by Sarah McAlduff and Matthew Handrahan.

Matthew is a truck driver in the oil patch in Alberta and works 21 days on and 21 days off. When he is home, he enjoys focusing on his new endeavour: growing sunflowers and creating PEI home-grown bird seed.

“I love this time away from the oil fields,” says Matthew, who has a love of the land, just like his father, who was a farmer. “It is completely different, and I find it relaxing and a great way to unwind. I recently inherited my father’s blueberry farm, so I will have more to focus on this year.”

The couple grows sunflowers to produce premium quality Island-grown bird seed. “I am very passionate about the product, and in the future, we may add bee hives to the operation,” says Sarah. “What more perfect combination could we ask for: blueberries, sunflowers, and bees.

“Last year, we simply prepared the fields, threw in the seed, and watched them grow! The outcome was amazing; fields of bright yellow sunflowers bursting with seed. We were very pleased with our first crop, as it was a very dry year.”

For more information, call 902-315-2180 or 902-214-0351, or email handrahans_ag_resources@outlook.com or search Facebook.

East Coast Accounting Solutions, Charlottetown

Jobs: Bookkeepers and Auditors

East Coast Accounting Solutions is a bookkeeping company located in the Charlottetown Toyota Business Park (56C MacLeod Court) under the Next Level Group umbrella. It assists businesses with payroll, year ends, business plans, coaching and HST remittances.

“We are looking to work with accounting firms and to help with their bookkeeping side,” says Bryce Arsenault.

“We have worked with non-profit organizations and Mandarin-speaking businesses as well. The demand for bookkeeping is growing.

“We look for people with bookkeeping education and experience, with an outgoing personality and a willingness to grow into partners.

“We will likely post future jobs with our sister company Next Level Group, a local recruiting, HR and business consulting firm.”

For more information, call 902-213-8299. Visit www.eastcoastaccounting.ca

SkillsPEI Job Fair in Charlottetown Continued…

For more information about Tignish Co-Op Home Hardware Building Centre, call 902-882-2199 or email sue.webster@homehardware.ca

Bryce Arsenault, Business Development Manager.