BC Ferries are searching for 500 new workers ahead of the busy summer season. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

record recruitment

BC Ferries on summer hiring spree to fill 500 positions

Mar 16, 2023 | 4:19 PM

NANAIMO — The annual summer hiring blitz from BC Ferries is underway.

Ferries’ spokesperson Deborah Marshall said it’s the biggest in the company’s history as they look to have enough people to handle an annual spike in traffic, courtesy of tourists coming to and from Vancouver Island.

“We are hiring for a variety of positions: on-board catering, as well as terminal and ticketing positions. We’ve got opportunities in the deck department and engineering.”

The recruitment drive runs through April 15 with the company hoping to fill around 500 positions between now and the spring in order to provide enough time for training.

Vehicle volumes typically ramp up around Canada Day when the school year ends and families eye road trips and other vacations.

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To combat a competitive job market among a shortage of mariners, BC Ferries are offering a series of incentives.

“We have introduced guaranteed hours for new employees, we’ve enhanced allowances for employees with certain technical qualifications. We’ve also increased our training budget to try and attract our current employees to reach a higher ticket or qualification so they can move up the ladder.”

A series of job fairs across the Island and Sunshine Coast either have already or will link the company with interested applicants.

More on the job descriptions and available positions is available on the BC Ferries website.

— with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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