Readin', Writin' and Rupertification in Prince George

Just back from the job fair circuit in Prince George, the Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Corporation is expecting good things to come as word spreads about the container port development on the North Coast.

The Daily News had details of the two days of Rupert indoctrination provided for the thirsty students of CNC and UNBC.

PG STUDENTS ARE STUDYING RUPERT
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Monday, March 26, 2007
Page one

Interest in Prince Rupert is high among post secondary students in Prince George.

That was the message received by Christopher Colussi, project manager at Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Corporation (PREDC) who attended job fairs held at the College of New Caldeonia and the University of Northern British Columbia on March 12 and 13.

“Our booth generated a lot of interest by students and faculty looking for employment opportunities and information on the community,” said Colussi.

“I met with many students who have studied the container port development in their classrooms and are aware of the opportunities that are coming. These students expressed interest in moving to Prince Rupert for employment because they are excited at what the future holds for both our city and the region.”

PREDC collected resumes from students and have placed them into a database at the Economic Development office. This database is available to local employers who are looking for potential employees.

Prince Rupert faces heavy competition for skilled and professional workers.

A report that outlines just how many workers Prince Rupert will need based on direct assessments of existing projects will be presented by Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest this Thursday at a Rotary Lunch meeting.

The Pacific Northwest Gateway Skills Initiative Inventory of Workforce Skills shows that not only does the North Coast labour have enough people to fill the jobs expected in the next several years, but that those in the labour force lack the skills necessary to fill all t hose positions.

Colussi noted it’s important to attend job fairs to try and attract students into the area, raise interest and gain exposure.

“The community must continue to be visible and raise awareness because opportunity is everywhere across Western Canada,” he said. “We’re receiving positive responses from graduating students because they have been exposed in the classroom to the opportunities in Prince Rupert and we must continue to present these opportunities every change we get.”

Also in Prince George, PREDC hosted a Rupert Night, where students from Prince Rupert were invited for an evening of bowling.

“Our main target is attracting our students back to the community when they complete their schooling,” said Colussi. “This is an event that allows us to communicate the happenings and opportunities going on in Prince Rupert in a fun and informal manner.”

To view the resume database or for further information contact Colussi at 627-5138.

For more information on the Pacific Northwest Gateway Skills Initiative Inventory of Workforce Skills, contact Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest.