President Jim Madder welcomed over 30 members and guests to this week’s meeting. Past-President Warren Philp introduced our featured speaker Shannon Costigan, Program Coordinator, Northwest Connector; North of Superior Workplace Planning Board.
“For communities to grow and prosper, they need talented people to put down roots and build their lives. From small tight-knit communities to major metropolitan cities, communities are looking at innovative, proven ways to attract and retain skilled professionals. The Northwest Connector Program is one of these initiatives. It is a simple, yet highly effective networking program to help area newcomers and new graduates start to develop a local, professional network.” Some 70% of jobs are filled from referrals - the hidden job market.
Shannon presented on this important program aimed at finding “Connectors” who will share their contacts and industry insights with immigrants, students and other newcomers to the local job market and so help employers and job-seekers in many fields find each other. Thunder Bay many unfilled job opportunities. Shannon has a passion for making connections and facilitating conversations that will lead to those jobs being filled. Connector National has been operating since 2013 in now 38 communities and to date has helped fill 950 good jobs.
Anyone with experience and a desire to help newcomers integrate into the Thunder Bay region can be a CONNECTOR. Thunder Bay certainly needs programs like this: job openings and retirements are both increasing. In 2020 we had a labour shortfall of over 7000 workers. The CONNECTOR and CONNECTEE are brought together to help the job-seeker build a professional network.
Even as Shannon spoke, enthusiastic Club members put up their hands to volunteer and gave passionate endorsements in the Q & A. Rotaract at Lakehead University may be a great fit also.
Warren thanked his neighbour Shannon and we look forward to our Club helping out.
Learn more or sign up at https://www.nswpb.ca/connector/