While summer is a time of relaxation for some, for others it's a time to pick up seasonal work. This can prove to be a difficult task, but there are resources to help.
Challenges in the job market
Benjamin Niyomugabo, the youth engagement leader for the Manitoba Youth Job Centre (MYJC) in Steinbach and area, says young people are navigating a tough employment landscape.
"Young professionals—even people that come in with their degree and then need a job—need three years of experience for an entry level job," he says. "So, you've got people that are over educated in their positions and that takes away from people that actually might need a smaller part time job."
He adds that in rural Manitoba, lack of public transportation often becomes a barrier to employment.
To help address that, he says MYJC focuses on connecting youth aged 13 to 29 with opportunities close to home—and in some cases, even helps arrange carpooling.
Niyomugabo says he doesn't just serve people in Steinbach, but also St. Pierre, Niverville, La Broquerie, Landmark, St. Malo, Ile des Chênes, and other areas—some even coming in from Morris.
How MYJC supports young workers
For those under 16, MYJC offers an "odd job squad" program. Youth can take part in seasonal work such as selling freezies, washing cars, or helping with fundraisers—simple jobs that build valuable experience.
"It looks really good on your resume," he says.
Youth aged 16 to 29 can access more tailored support through MYJC.
"What are you interested in? What kind of field do you wan to go into? We'll try to put you there. If you're just like, 'I need a job—any job,' we'll find you one," he says.
To help, the organization offers a variety of services.
"We've got resume workshops...we do mock job interviews, we'll even go with you to drop off applications if you need," Niyomugabo explains, adding MYJC also helps with career planning.
While the actual job centre is only accessible during the summer months, he says the office is open year-round to discuss career planning.
Getting started with a resume
Niyomugabo says the best way to start job searching, is by building a resume.
"Find things that you've done. It could even be something you did at school...you might have volunteered, you might have done something at church. Put that on your resume. If you help your grandma every weekend to clear out brush, put that on there," he says.
Even hobbies can have a place on a resume he says, especially if they demonstrate employable skills like creativity.
The key is confidence.
"Be your biggest advocate. Be the person holding the pom poms and cheering the loudest, and using the airhorn," he says.
Niyomugabo says, while they may feel scarce, there are jobs out there—it's a matter of knowing where to look.
"There's a thing...called the hidden job market., That's where you're more likely to get hired if you apply somewhere that might not be listing online," he says.
A call to local businesses
To support young job seekers, Niyomugabo is also encouraging local businesses to reach out if they need help finding staff.
"We'll send someone your way," he says. "There's all these employers that may not have a hiring side, and need someone, or might need someone just to fill in the gaps. We're trying to fill in those gaps."
He asks businesses, and job seekers, to get in touch with him via email, at Benjamin.Niyomugabo@gov.mb.ca.