The forestry industry downturn is forcing many Clearwater and area forestry workers to change horses in mid-stream — either by getting more education or using their skills in other industries — and they are having to find work out of town.

“There is an increase in primary wage earners working out of the community and area,” said Jocelyn Ansell, manager/counselor at the Clearwater Employment Services, talking to the Times Oct. 20. “Many forest workers are able to use their skills in construction, or in the oil and gas industry, but the jobs they can find are out of town, even out of province. As well, a large number of individuals who are upgrading their employment skills through education are not returning to the community at this time.”

“On the other hand,” Ansell points out, “some of our forest industry clients have secured local work in construction trades and labour positions in emerging primary industries such as mining exploration. Self-employment has also allowed skilled workers to create viable local businesses, many of which are operating out of their homes keeping start-up costs low.”

The CES has been a busy place this year, fulfilling its mandate to support the local economy and work to build a skilled and positive workforce. The volume of clients served — close to 700 to date is up over 2007, and the demand for career and employment counseling has increased. EI related skills training funding referrals are up, and the number of individuals who have worked with CES counselors and returned to work, about 190 so far this year, is up substantially over the previous two years.

”Another trend we see is that our workforce is aging, and many of the “baby boomers” are making the transition to retirement,” says Ansell. “At the same time it is becoming increasingly hard to fill some seasonal positions and employers are starting to be more flexible (for instance by hiring older workers, introducing flex schedules, and providing incentives for staying to the end of the season) to meet the demand.”

More people are using the services offered online by the CES, at www.clearwateremploymentservices.ca, to check out local and national job postings. As well, more and more people are accessing the CES office on an independent basis, for computer use, information resources, resume assistance, and to check the job board.