Project Ojibwa holds job fair March 23
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When the former HMCS Ojibwa arrived in Port Burwell last fall, it brought the prospect of an economic boost and an increase in local jobs to the area.
Now several months later, the economic impact is slowly starting to take shape, as ‘inside the fence tours’ are expected to begin in the next few weeks and Project Ojibwa staff and officials with the Elgin Military Museum, prepare for a job fair scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2013.
“We just confirmed a location – the job fair will be held at the Lighthouse Gospel Church in Port Burwell,” said Jeffrey Booth, director of daily operations with the Elgin Military Museum and Project Ojibwa. “Times are yet to be determined, it’s likely going to be late morning to mid-afternoon.
“Our expectations are to have three or four individuals available, who will be forming part of our management team for the submarine site,” said Booth. “Job seekers will be able to talk to them, they’ll be able to pick up copies of the job descriptions and leave resumes. Employment Service Elgin is a partner with this and they will be there on March 23 as well.”
Still in the early stages of planning and preparing for the grand opening of the former HMCS Ojibwa later this summer, Booth noted that there will be a number of jobs available for the submarine’s first season, including full-time, part-time and temporary summer jobs – positions that will need to be filled when the decommissioned cold war era submarine opens for tours to the public this summer.
“There are approximately 40 jobs – some of these jobs are part-time and I would say approximately 8 to 10 of these jobs are student jobs for the balance of the summer,” he added. “We will be accepting resumes until early April and then we’ll be making decisions on staffing throughout the balance of April. The vast majority of positions will be starting in May,” said Booth.
Adults and students will be hired to fill various job openings including office support, tour guides, and guest services attendants – expected to look after processing tickets and other front end duties.
With the first official job fair for Project Ojibwa just around the corner, excitement is beginning to build as opening day draws closer and the prospective positive boost to the local economy is felt throughout the region.
“Once we start operation and have these people hired and working, we will be the largest employer in the village of Port Burwell,” explained Booth. “This will have a serious effect and a great impact on the local economy.”
Job seekers are welcomed to drop resumes off on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Lighthouse Gospel Church on Victoria Street in Port Burwell.
For job fair times and details or for more information, visit www.projectojibwa.ca