This week has been declared Alberta Works Week by the provincial government.

Over 100 career events are being held in 40 communities around the province and Airdrie is one of them.  Abigail Gonzalez-Kube, the Program Manager with Rocky View Employment said the final pre-employment workshop will be held this (Friday) afternoon.  "From mock interviews to resume development, and cover letters.  People can sign up at our website, rockyviewemployment.com."

Gonzalez-Kube thinks the idea of Alberta Works Week is a good one.  "I agree it's a great way to create awareness of the different initiatives to get everybody back to the work force."

As for employment in the region her office covers, Gonzalez-Kube thinks things are slowly starting to turn around.  Nothing dramatic yet, but she can see definite improvement, particularly in full time employment.

"They are turning around but not significantly, not yet anyway.  What we are finding is some of the full time employment is slowly coming back up.  We're having a lot of our clients that are finding employment a little bit faster, and better employment and local employment.   It seems that every six weeks we see a couple more of the bigger local companies post for those positions."

Gonzalez-Kube said there are a lot of administrative positions being advertised for, as well as service industry positions and some banking positions.

She said that youth workers are having the most trouble finding employment.  "A lot of the youth are being a little bit displaced.  Workers in their mid 20's and 30's are still seeking jobs.  For that reason we're hosting a Job Fair in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Airdrie on May 29, at the Boys and Girls Club location."

Gonzalez-Kube also said it's more difficult for workers over 50 to find jobs.  

"Definitely, we do see that quite often.  They bring so much experience and a wealth of knowledge.  We do have a federally funded program called 'Targeted Initiative For Older Workers.'  It's at no cost.  We have our next intake session on May 29th.  It's a six week employment skills workshop specifically designed for mature workers from the age of 55 to 64."

 

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