Job seekers in Whistler got a helping hand Nov. 6, thanks to a WorkBC Sea to Sky inclusive job hiring event.
Hundreds of attendees showed up to size up employers at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). The event was focused on inclusivity for hiring, and between pre-registered attendees and drop-ins, more than 300 people were on the hunt for a new career.
Nick Stenner, employer relations specialists at Open Door Group, explained having an inclusive job fair makes it clear to job seekers they are welcome.
“Inclusivity on its own is obviously something that all employers should want to shoot for," he said. "But you know, more and more these days we're learning about the benefits of being an inclusive employer. Different viewpoints, the different experiences, the different skill sets that come from different nationality, gender and neurodivergent people bring different skills to the table."
Seasonal workforce and Whistler
Data from the Whistler Multicultural Society indicates Whistler had the highest percentage of immigration in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast from 2016 to 2021, and has the highest percentage of temporary foreign workers. Many come for the lifestyle of the Sea to Sky, but it can also come with peaks and valleys due to the seasonal nature of employment.
Talya Shore, program manager for WorkBC Sea to Sky, explained the seasonality of work in Whistler means a lot of new and old residents are looking for work this time of year. Bringing them together under one roof provides opportunity for mixing and mingling.
“There are going to be a lot of people coming into town and we know that there are a lot of employers that need to fill gaps in their businesses and organizations,” she said.
Hosting it at the SLCC also worked well for the Indigenous Youth Ambassadors who are on the hunt for a job. WorkBC Sea to Sky provided help for the cohort on resumes, which they can also do for free for anyone looking for employment.
Some attendees, like Brennan Lloyd, have done a season in Whistler before and came back to get the best of both worlds from working in Whistler.
“I'd like to do something in the afternoons, so I could still have my ski days, and that's my main criteria,” he said.
Others, like Julie Escoffier and Jean Peltier, came to the fair because they’ve struggled to find work in Squamish. The two moved from France for work and improving their English.
“It’s difficult to find a job in Squamish, that’s why we’re coming to Whistler," Peltier said. "We think there are more job opportunities."
Employers and organizations
And while employers made up the bulk of booths at the event, there were also inclusive organizations on hand, like the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP).
Ellie Taylor is the athlete coordinator for WASP, and the group was providing outreach about their adaptive sports programming.
“We rely very heavily on volunteers in our program, so this is a great chance for us to connect with people and talk to them about their volunteer journey, which then can eventually end up in a paid role,” she said.
With many newcomers to Whistler, they may not know about the important work WASP does, and it’s a good opportunity to give back and get to know new people when settling into the ski town.
The Lil’wat Nation was on hand and is hiring for a range of positions. Sushilkumar Dige, human resources generalist for the Nation, said the most important qualification for them is a willingness to work in First Nations communities and having housing in the area. Many front-line positions don’t require advanced skills. Leadership positions usually require experience working with First Nations, and highly technical roles require advanced education, like a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Jacki Bissillion is the owner and president of Whistler Personnel Solutions, which helps fill gaps for employees looking for extra income and employers needing extra hands. She said people looking for jobs right now should be patient, because the tourism season is right around the corner.
“Be patient. I think this town needs them eventually," she said. "And I know it feels really hard right now that nobody's hiring, but they will, I promise. Give it a couple of weeks, everyone will be hiring."
