If you’re in the market for a job, there is no shortage of options this spring in Orillia.
It’s a red-hot job seeker’s market as employers are struggling to fill positions at many companies, which is great news for prospective candidates.
Pre-pandemic, there were often countless applications for single jobs, but over the last few years, the tide has turned in favour of job seekers. Most times, they can have their pick of the proverbial litter when it comes to a new position.
Ashley Sweeney of Agilec has witnessed the dramatic shift in recent months through their employment branch in Orillia. Employers suddenly have to step up their game not only to attract new talent, but to keep their existing talent.
“It’s a job seekers market right now,” Sweeney said. “There are a lot of employers who are recognizing that they have to do things a little bit differently to entice individuals to pursue these opportunities with them.”
“The past year especially, there’s been a lot of great conversations with local employers about how they can recruit differently; how they can retain those employees and support employees with their development so they can keep the ones that they have.”
As recruitment becomes hyper-competitive, it’s not unusual for candidates to start at one job for a few months, only to jump to another company who pays a few more dollars an hour. With the wealth of jobs, they can afford to make that change; and with inflation on the rise and cost of living skyrocketing, it’s hard to blame them.
In Orillia, one sector that’s particularly starving for talent is manufacturing and trades. Companies are offering higher wages and benefits to entice new employees to lay roots in the Orillia area.
The recreation, hospitality and tourism industries continue to recover, and as the seasons change, the “Sunshine City” hopes for a robust return to tourism this summer.
“It’s a really nice labour market,” Sweeney said. “We’ve seen an increase in small businesses open up, especially over the last couple of years. The revitalization of our downtown and seeing condos go up and new businesses open up that are specialty shops.
“It’s a growing city. There’s a lot happening in Orillia. There are lots of opportunities here.”
Community Wellness and Job Fair Event May 4
To see what opportunities are available for you, visit the one-day Community Wellness and Job Fair Event, Wednesday May 4 from 10am to 6pm at Creative Nomad Studios, 23 Mississaga Street West, Orillia.
Presented by Agilec in partnership with Creative Nomad Studios, this event is a must-attend for anyone seeking employment, or for anyone looking to learn about which resources and opportunities the Sunshine City offers.
Employers are offering on-the-spot interviews at this event, and they recommend job seekers come prepared with resumes in-hand. Employers in attendance include:
- Casino Rama,
- Thermon,
- Sharp Bus Lines,
- Dana Hospitality,
- Turf King Lawn Experts,
- Quayle’s Brewery,
- Berry Global, and
- Kubota.
Community wellness participants on hand for this event include: Welcome Centre Immigrant Services, Dress for Success, Orillia & District Literacy Council, Catholic Family Services, Metis Nation of Ontario, and the City of Orillia. More employers and community agencies still to be announced.
COVID-19 protocols will be followed, and masks are encouraged but not required for this event. Masks and sanitizer will be available upon entry, and the building is wheelchair accessible. Anyone who is interested in attending but unable to join can contact Agilec for assistance: [email protected].
Prospective employers or community agencies looking to attend this Community Wellness and Job Fair event can email [email protected], or call 705-325-1203.