Employees taking order after order at Tino's on a busy afternoon

By Teagan Rasche

Frustrations on both sides

‘Disconnect’ between employers and youth seeking jobs

Jul 6, 2021 | 4:22 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It’s order after order at Tino’s.

With a busy drive-thru and being short-staffed, the work doesn’t stop. Manager Terry DeValter says being short on employees, isn’t for lack of trying.

“We’ve found that when we opened, we had tons and tons of applications,” DeValter said. “Then in the last month, we’ve put out one, with holidays and people going back to school in September, we’ve put out applications but there’s been little or none for full time.”

Meanwhile on CHAT’s Facebook page, dozens of parents say their teenage kids can’t find a job. Many said there were minimal open positions and if their teen did apply, they wouldn’t hear back.

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For DeValter, while being short-staffed adds stress, he’s not surprised.

“I think some may be enjoying this amazing weather are then for others, it’s just been a situation where it’s only part-time and I think so many places are looking for full time,” DeValter said.

While finding a job is challenging, the YMCA can be a helpful resource. CEO Sharon Hayward says their Employment Centres are seeing fewer people asking for help.

But she’s also seeing employers struggle.

“Typically we have waiting lists for people that want to get in and help get some employability skills,” Hayward said. “But at the same time, we’re hearing from employers that they’re having a hard time filling positions, so there does seem to be a disconnect.”

Hayward is seeing people of all ages looking for work but the challenge is matching the right person with the right fit.

“It seems like there’s a full range of different jobs that are available, it’s just getting the right applicants with the qualifications that seems to be the challenge,” Hayward said.

The YMCA Employment Centre is open to anyone that needs help.

For those still on the job hunt, DeValter says these are the qualities he’s looking for.

“Desire to work, hopefully, and the willingness to learn those are probably the biggest things,” DeValter said. “A pleasant personality helps too.”