Who Says There Are No Jobs In Windsor?

By Alice Hewitt

More than 500 people came searching for jobs at the New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence annual Windsor-Essex job day Oct. 17.

The event, funded by Employment Ontario, showcased over 100 booths and is designed to provide employment opportunities and training to those looking for a job or an opportunity to switch careers.

Melissa Basarac is the employment services manager with the centre. She said that 50 to 80 employers have attended in the past which creates a number of choices for prospective employees with positions ranging from the automotive to financial fields.

“Last year we had about 600 people come through the door,” said Basarac. “I think it’s very beneficial because then it shows that there are employers in Windsor and Essex that are hiring and that’s what is important. Some people will say there are no jobs. There are jobs.  We just put it together so that people can see that there are jobs here in Windsor.”

One of the people at the fair looking for work was Andrew Lawrence. Previously a senior scientist in reactive chemistry in England, he is now looking for a different field in Canada. It may also be possible for him to write qualifying exams to practice his profession in Canada.

“I’m looking for an occupation and I’m hoping to find some sort of idea of what I need to do,” said Lawrence. “To be honest, I haven’t really seen anything in my field but I’ve got a few ideas; I’m getting a few ideas. Just talking to people makes all the difference.”

Shawna Beneteau is a teacher who brought her students to the event.

“Having everyone in one spot makes it easier for the job seeker to find opportunities, not just what they’re looking for but what they might have not expected to find,” said Beneteau. “Kind of looking outside the box and seeing other opportunities they wouldn’t have considered before.”