Jobs, jobs, jobs

Since our industry is in dire need of more skilled workers, I think formalizing the job search process is a great idea. The Canadian Plastics Industry Association has launched a careers site with a high degree of functionality that should assist both new entrants and veterans in their job search (1). As with most job sites, resumes are added to the database for free but employers pay a fee to post openings and search for candidates.

Powered by Brainhunter, the CPIA CareerSite has extensive lists of job titles, functions, core competencies, etc. I think this helps to legitimize jobs in the plastics industry by subtly emphasizing what they have in common with other industries. You can be an account manager in plastics, just as you can in telecommunications. Or you can be a process technician in plastics, just as you can in the bio-medical field. By using generic titles and a slick, professional interface the site reinforces the idea that the plastics industry is not all about unskilled assembly work.

There are a few other industry-specific options if you’re looking for jobs in Canada. Our own Canadian Plastics site posts resumes and recruitment ads (2). As well, I’ve recently learned of a U.S.-based site called Moldingjobs.com (3). This site is 99% U.S. content, but I did find two Canadian positions advertised. If you check it out, select XX when asked what state you wish to search. XX is the catch-all for all non-U.S. jobs.

1. www.plastics.ca/career

2. www.canplastics.com

3. www.moldingjobs.com

A goodbye, and a new beginning

The Internet was once as fascinating and exasperating as a new puppy, but it has now pretty much settled into its place in our homes and our businesses, so the need for Web Watch as a support resource has dwindled. We’ve decided to discontinue this column, and just report e-business and Web-related news as it happens.

But before I sign off, let me tell you about one more new product. We get frequent requests for an electronic version of our Canadian Plastics Directory, and we’re finally able to meet that demand. Canadian Plastics Select lets users perform custom, on-line searches of the processors and moldmakers sections of the Canadian Plastics Directory. The information can then be downloaded for follow-up. Contact Judith Nancekivell for more details, jnancekivell@canplastics.com.