In the News Article

Jobs that Make a Difference

The Delta Optimist, September 29, 2007 — Whether it’s helping a handicapped girl who lost her wheelchair in the Sri Lanka tsunami, or feeding desperate people in east Africa, or giving hope to the underprivileged in the Downtown Eastside, the Salvation Army is all about making a difference in the lives of the marginalized all over the world.

“We are the largest provider of social services outside of the government,” says Barb Sharp, director of human resources for the Salvation Army. “We offer everything from drug rehabilitation to seniors housing to working with youth in the Downtown Eastside.”

“We have 1,400 employees throughout the province who work in our Thrift Stores, as counsellors, nurses, accountants, to name just a few, in 65 ministries across the province.”

Sharp says the non-profit organization offers a wide variety of career opportunities that make a difference in the lives of the poor and disenfranchised all over the world.

Keeping communities safe is what Commissionaires BC does best.

“We are the largest security organization providing security enforcement to keep communities, businesses and residents safe,” says Renate Schmid, manager of human resources for the 80-yeaold non-profit organization. “We have more than 1,500 professionals (500 are guards throughout B.C.), who provide crime prevention…we hire a lot of ex-military and RCMP who work in passport offices, tax centres, immigration offices, holding centres, airports, anywhere where security guards and officers are needed.”

With more of us worried about our safety and that of our families it’s no surprise that the security business is one that is growing by leaps and bounds. Commissionaires BC is actively seeking candidates for long-term, secure, flexible and challenging employment with many opportunities to rise through the ranks.

“We also offer part time work for retired police officers and others who want a little extra work,” adds Schmid. “Commissionaires BC also have employees who conduct credit checks to help speed up the immigration process or for prospective employers who want to know more about the people they are hiring.”

Prevention and safety are key functions that Intercon Security has built its reputation on.

“We are a one-stop security shop offering everything from security guards to alarm systems for home to monitoring businesses, governmental agencies, health-care and education facilities, and residences,” says Matt Hilderman, manager of staffing and development for Intercon Security. “We offer the whole package in residential and commercial safety.”

“There’s a wonderful sense of accomplishment for our employees who work in a host of different positions that allow all of us to sleep a little safer.”

Making a difference in the community by paying its employees good wages is how Tony Tesan, site superintendent for Summit Sheet Metal Ltd., says its company does its part.

“Our wages are pretty good so it allows our employees to be consumers, whether it’s housing or purchasing goods,” says Tesan, adding they have a number of projects on the go all over the province. “We have a number of openings for trained sheet metal workers and apprentices who are ambitious, self-motivated, hardworking and possess good work ethics.”

As in all trades, there are increasing demands in the workplace for good tradespeople, adds Tesan.

Alex Lynch, a 20-year-old third-year sheet metal apprentice at Summit was attracted to the trade because: “I thought it would be interesting and I’m always learning. I really enjoyed the work because I go to different sites everyday, read blueprints and assemble exhaust systems or install air conditioning systems.”

Today’s workplace offers a plethora of career choices, many of which are making our communities better and safer.

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