Youth Council, hiring spree to grow aquaculture
Cooke Aquaculture goes on a hiring spree in Atlantic Canada while BC salmon farmers launch Youth Council to help shape the sustainable future of farming the oceans.
By SeaWestNews
Salmon farmers in British Columbia have announced the development of a youth council to showcase the growing presence of young people in the sustainable future of farming the oceans.
The Youth Council will be an extension of the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA) and provide the salmon farming community with a youth perspective.
The individuals in the council will focus on key objectives and projects and will act as advisors for concepts brought forth by BCSFA members.
“We are very excited to build a strong group of young people in the aquaculture sector who want to make a positive difference,” said Michelle Franze, Manager of Communications, Partnerships and Community for BCSFA.
The idea for a Youth Council was brought forth to BCSFA by Kenny Leslie, Fry/First Feed Supervisor for Mowi Canada West and Brad Rempel, Farm Site Assistant Manager for Mowi Canada West. Both are also members of the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA)
“Having spent almost 2 years strongly involved and co-chairing the CAIA Council of Emerging Leaders in Aquaculture, I have long felt that we need to develop a voice of the youth for the BC Salmon Farmers,” said Leslie.
“I feel that this is the right time to hear from all parts of our vibrant aquaculture industry and to help make decisions for the future of our industry in BC.”
Participants in the council will be individuals under 35 who show leadership and are eager to make a positive impact on the BC salmon farming industry.
The BCSFA Youth Council will be an inclusive body and aims to have representation from all aspects of salmon farming.
“Aquaculture provides great opportunities for young people to grow their careers while caring for the environment, and this council will further enhance that,” said Franze.
Salmon farming supports about 7,000 jobs in B.C. contributing $1.5 billion to the provincial economy every year.
Meanwhile, in New Brunswick, Cooke Aquaculture announced it is looking for more than 100 people throughout Atlantic Canada for a variety of good paying jobs including seafood processing, vessel crews, truck drivers and more.
“We’re an exciting, growing family company and we have terrific teams working throughout Atlantic Canada. Our people are dedicated, community-minded and have built a positive work environment,” said Joel Richardson, Vice President of Public Relations.
“Job seekers who want to earn more money in a rewarding career can view the full list of jobs and apply online right now at MyCookeCareer.com or visit @MyCookeCareer on Facebook. In many roles, no experience is necessary, we will train new employees right on the job while they are being paid.”
“Cooke is hiring in every Atlantic province right now. We have lots of full-time positions available with good pay, bonuses, health benefits, a retirement savings plan and a real opportunity to grow,” Richardson said.
Some of the job opportunities include:
Processing – Fish Processing Workers, Production Supervisors, Lead Hands;
Saltwater Sea Sites – Site Managers, Deckhands, Marine Technicians, Vessel Captains;
Transportation – Truck/Tractor Trailer Drivers.
“As a family company we treat our people fairly, like part of a family. We believe our employees are the most valuable part of our organization. For those looking for flexibility, we are also offering contract term positions and shift options to suit individual needs,” explained Richardson.
Cooke is also offering a ‘Refer a Friend’ rewards program for current employees and new recruits at its processing plants in Blacks Harbour and St. George. Cooke employs 2,000 people in Atlantic Canada and 10,000 globally across aquaculture and seafood operations in 10 different countries.
(Picture courtesy of CAIA)