JOB FAIR TODAY SHOWED EXPERIENCED STAFF STILL LOOKING FOR WORK IN ALL FIELDS, TRADES

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — A Job Fair here this afternoon showed the extent of the labour shortage in Muskoka.

Between two and three dozen companies and businesses were on hand at the Active Living Centre for a one-stop, one-shop opportunity for employees and employers to connect, drop off CVs and see who’s offering work.

Sponsored by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Employment North they linked the two groups.

In a hall crowded with dozens of tables and jobs on offer, young and old had a wide array of opportunities to be apply and find jobs for this summer they hope will stretch to year-round.

A job seeker checks out the JW Marriott Resort table this afternoon, one of about 30 employers offering work. Photos Mark Clairmont

Most were seasonal, like the Taboo and year-round like JW Marriott resorts.

They shared space with Ontario Cottage Rentals, The Alexander Retirement Residence, the LCBO, Muskoka Childcare, a healthcare and recruitment company.

Janet Denstedt took the direct approach.

She and her brother own Beachside Cottages on Lake Muskoka, in Minett. It’s a small operation with nine family cottages they run summers. Their parents, Ross and Evelyn, ran it since 1971 when it was Inn On the Lake.

Janet said she’s had some workers for years, but turnovers always means being on the lookout for “flexible” staff who can multi-task and are available for the part-time worker.

She said while they pay above minimum wage only one person asked how much.

Janet Denstedt said they have returning staff, but can always use more housekeeping workers especially Saturdays when guests come and go.

Workers didn’t appear to be care. They were interested in everything.

Most were middle-aged with a few student-aged.

Or at least saw what was out there, including Turtle Jack’s restaurant in Port Carling and Muskoka Extreme a water sports business.

For those unable to attend go there’s a website with links to the jobs. Check out their poster’s QR code below.

Tables lined the walls and crowded the centre of the hall with come conducting instant interviews.
Workers of all ages spent the afternoon trying to find the right fit at the Seniors’ Centre in Gravenhurst.
The Gravenhurst High School robotics team demonstrated their skills, which organizer Norah Fountain joked won’t be taking away any jobs just yet.

Some of the GHS robotics team members at the Job Fair this afternoon. Om Patel, left, Trent Marriott, Finn MacDonald, Hailey Doolittle, Ellie Brown and mentor Christie Buckley.

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