Discussions

Why is it so hard to find a job that will hire you? Retail, Receptionist, Restaurants (non alcoholic serving), gas stations, class 5 truck driver (clean criminal record)  
 
I have been looking for work for over 6 months and have applied to many different job sites aside from ebrandon such as indeed.ca and jobs.ca just to name a couple. No one wants to hire me. In previous jobs I have always worked my assigned shifts, picked up extra work and reason for not working at this time is my position was closing. However the boss told me that any jobs I apply to and need references that the boss would put in a good word for me.  
 
Indeed advertises their jobs, sometimes views the profile, or views your profile and just doesn't contact you.  
 
 
Is there any school courses that are free or don't cost to much money such as:  
Insurance broker advisor,  
Receptionist or  
Working at Banks/Credit unions  
 
that you can take online at home?  
 
Is this a sign that I'm suppose to move away from Brandon where I have been for over 20 years and was born and grew up in Manitoba.

It is indeed a humbling experience looking for work these days. Going through this experience has left me exhausted, and mentally drained.  
 
When I was previously working it never occurred to me how much the world has change. Everyday you hear about labour shortage - well I assure you there is zero shortage out there. There are many employees that need to feel what it's like to be on the other side of this, it would definitely open a few eyes.  
 
There are many reasons that you're passed over and most of them have absolutely nothing to do with you. I have got to the point personally where I am resigned that I will not get meaningful work ever. It's a very depressing feeling of despair.  
 
I wish I could give you some advice - I simply have none.

CEYS I believe helps with resume writing if you need assist  
 
Are you on Facebook? People of Brandon posts a monthly listing of jobs that are actually hiring. Maybe that would help?  
 
Have you tried at Prairie Mountain Health? There are jobs listed with no training or maybe if interested in schooling an HCA or medical terminology course? Probably other places too that might not advertise jobs externally?  
 
I know Assiniboine College offers certificate programs like book keeping. Maybe look there.  
 
Good luck in your search

The construction industry in Brandon is in dire need of skilled tradespeople. I just spoke with a local subcontractor who is having to train their concrete crew to frame buildings because there just isn't enough bodies out there.  
 
My future son-in-law has 2 jobs and just had his second interview for a third and he does a ton of volunteering for St. John's as he works towards a career in emergency services, and he has been approached by both BFES and Shilo to work there.  
 
Just like anywhere else, if you have a diploma or certificate in just about anything you should be able to find a job.  
 
I graduated from college in 2000 and I put out over 100 resumes and got 2 call backs. I now manage a department and have consistently seen the number of applications we receive for new positions decline year over year.  
 
There are jobs out there. You just need to be willing to get yourself trained or certified.  
 
Edited by PrimeConvoy, 2026-01-21 09:39:28

I agree with Primeconvoy. I hire engineers and engineering assistants and it is a struggle to find good candidates. Out of 100 applicants, I might get 1-2 good ones and 5 who are mediocre. The remaining 90 out of 100 are not worth calling back. A large number of them are recent newcomers to the country, who are all working in jobs that the OP is trying to get. That market is flooded with more people than there are positions to fill.  
 
Is a diploma or certificate an option? If takes some time and money now, but if you are still young then it is a good investment that will pay off in the future.

You mentioned Insurance and online of self study. Might be of interest to you.  
Cost is relatively low compared to Other institution.  
 
https://ibam.mb.ca/canadian-accredited-insurance-broker-1.html

try BSD it seems like there always looking for custodian assistants ,basically means cleaner, I got hired at 62 and like the work, its not full time but the pay is decent.  
wishing you luck.

There is literally 4 pages of job postings here on eBrandon, have you applied to them?

The biggest problem with that is you need money to take courses. If you have no family help with money, where do you go?? Are there agencies that help ??

It can be tough if there's no one to help, but there's a few options.  
 
1. Financial aid - most institutions will have information about how to apply for financial aid. Usually, these are in the form of loans, either through the student loan program or private bank loans. Usually these loans do not have to be repaid until after graduation. Sometimes there is a minimum program length for these loans.  
 
2. Scholarships and bursaries - most institutions will have information about scholarships and bursaries. Some are merit-based, others are based on financial need. Take time to explore what is available to you. There are also community organizations that offer these types of awards, even some churches. Ask around in places where you already have connections: you might be surprised that there is money just sitting there for people like you!  
 
3. Government programs - sometimes you can get funding through government programs like EI, EIA, Veterans Affairs, Indigenous Services Canada, etc. Some programs also have rebate programs - for example, you can get $5000 a year back from the provincial government if you take the ECE program once you graduate, which means you have the money to pay off loans. Rebates are also available to adults who are former wards of Child & Family Services.  
 
4. One semester at a time - you do need to be mindful of the total cost of a program over the whole period (months or years), but instead of thinking about "I need $20,000 to complete this program", think about needing only $5000 to take the first semester. It doesn't help you if you truly have no money, but scraping together $5000 might be easier mentally and help bridge that psychological gap.  
 
5. Microcredentials - instead of trying to complete a years-long program, look and see if a microcredential might work for you. They are often a few weeks to a couple of months long. Red River Polytechnic has several programs offered by distance ed.  
 
And be mindful of the length of the program. The BSD is always looking for EAs, and the EA training program is only 4 months at ACC. If you can scrape together the tuition (using loans, grants, bursuries etc), you could graduate and be working in under 6 months.