In 2017, there were more than 800 jobs created in Victoria that were, at least in part, attributable to the cruise ship industry.
With another busy cruise ship season about to begin, more than a dozen employers gathered at Pier “B” of Ogden Point for this year’s job fair where they took applications and spoke to potential employees for their particular business.
Colleen Boudreau, a representative of Butchart Gardens was on hand looking for the perfect employees to work at the iconic tourist destination near Victoria.
“We just had a job fair on our property where we accepted 600 applications, but we’re looking for another 100 or so to meet our needs for the season,” said Boudreau.
Jill Little, of Victoria Shipyards was on hand, similarly looking for applicants.
“We do a lot of work with Ogden Point and with the cruise ships when they come in, so this is a perfect place to come, looking for new staff,” said Little.
Kyara Kahakauwila, of L.A. limousine and Transportation Services was at the job fair after a successful participation last year.
“It’s hard, sometimes, to find the perfect person for an industry like ours where you need to be talented, not just at driving, but have fantastic people skills as well. Last year we found one person, and he’s still with us,” said Kahakauwila.
The job fair attracted scores of applicants who arrived, resumés in hand, in hopes of landing a perfect job in an exciting industry in what is, arguably, one of the greatest tourist attractions in North America.