The key to finding a good job or career in the Thompson Okanagan is to know how to use labour market information to your advantage. Today, the labour market of the Thompson Okanagan Region is quite diverse. If you are looking for a job or career, then one of these occupations may provide a lot of opportunity:
- Insurance adjusters
- Forestry workers
- Firefighters
- Architectural technologist
- Aircraft mechanics
In fact, according to workbc.ca, these are expected to grow the fastest in the region until 2025. They also pay a median wage of between $22-35/hr. It’s no wonder that local government, forestry/logging, and insurance carriers will remain rapidly expanding industries in the region until 2025.
However, if you want to find plentiful jobs in the Thompson Okanagan and Kootnay region until 2025, the following occupations are very promising:
- Retail sales: 4,820 positions
- Administrative officers: 3,070 positions.
- Light duty cleaners: 2,510 positions
- Carpenters: 2,440 positions.
The best way of finding those jobs are to tap into what’s called ‘the hidden job market’. The moment you apply to a job posting, you face a tremendous amount of competition. Therefore, your goal is not to compete against others of similar skill and talent. Rather, look for an employer who requires your skills, offers training, and allows you to advance up through the company.
Next, to become more employable commit yourself to acquire and apply the essential top five competencies of the future:
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- People management
- Coordinating with others
The careers of the future will increasingly require these key competencies.
One of the ways to become successful and competitive in your job search is to learn about the prospective employer and their needs. So, read about the employer on their website, study their competition, find out what problems they face, and try to develop solutions.
Remember to sign on to LinkedIn.com and connect to all the people in your field. Engage with the organization you wish to join by sending them valuable insights on their industry. The best way to do that is via Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. If you want to win the job, you need to outweigh your competition through skill and become a subject matter expert (SME). You can no longer be all things to all people. Therefore, be sure to discuss and promote your singular expertise and the benefits you offer over your competitor. It’s that simple.
Just remember that companies and non-profit organizations are always looking for the right person for their operation. The ability to link your career directly to the labour market is the key to success in finding employment in the Thompson Okanagan. So it doesn’t matter if you are a young person, a new immigrant, an indigenous person, or a person with a disability, the Thompson Okanagan region has something for you. If you work with a qualified job developer, a customized employment specialist, or attend a workshop with a skilled facilitator, the staff at WorkBC is always ready to serve your employment needs.
-article written and submitted by Ashley Rattee, Piers, Penticton