ThirdQuarter News Stories
ThirdQuarter Fills Hiring Needs
"I would say that we could virtually fill all of our employment needs through ThirdQuarter."
Randy Brooks
Operations Manager for Commissionaires South Saskatchewan
Regina, Saskatchewan
Randy Brooks hit the jackpot when he bet on ThirdQuarter to help him fill several security guard positions last fall.
As operations manager for non-profit agency Commissionaires South Saskatchewan, Brooks hires 50 to 60 security guards each year. Now he knows exactly where to find the right men and women for the job.
"I would say that we could virtually fill all of our employment needs through ThirdQuarter," Brooks said.
"We get more folks of the kind we're looking for, and that is folks who have retired from their first employment and who are looking to continue employment after retirement. That's exactly what the ThirdQuarter program is all about and so it's a perfect fit for us."
ThirdQuarter was also a good fit when Regina Regional Opportunities Commission president and chief executive officer Larry Hiles hired administrative assistant Andrea Soby earlier this year.
"We wanted someone that had office administration experience, but also some board experience," Hiles said.
Soby, 58, had worked closely with a board and shareholders as co-ordinator of corporate and administrative affairs for a Regina seed marketing company.
"She reports to me, but she supports the board as well, so she's a quasi corporate secretary for the board," Hiles said.
A past-president of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, Hiles has already recommended ThirdQuarter to peers in other public-sector organizations.
"I found that there were some very enthusiastic candidates, and we had a number that we could have chosen from and I was very happy with the end result."
Brooks said seven ThirdQuarters are already on the job with Commissionaires. Since last fall, he's heard from more than 55 applicants with a wide range of experience, including federal government administration and security posts.
Founded in 1925 to provide employment for First World War veterans, Commissionaires has more than 20,000 employees across Canada. The South Saskatchewan branch opened in 1949. About half its 665 employees are Canadian Forces veterans.
Brooks said the company is expanding and needs staff with a variety of skills to meet the requirements of clients in the private sector and all three levels of government.
Guards may have to operate computers and monitor multiple surveillance cameras, among other duties. All have training in first aid, occupational health and safety and conflict management.
Former real estate appraiser Bill Dodge, 67, is one of the new commissionaires.
Dodge is comfortable with computers and at ease with the public.
"You have to be forthright. You know, you have to be able to walk up to people and say, 'What are you doing here?'"
And as a mature employee, he has the solid work ethic employers need.
"I think I'm demonstrating that to the people that I'm working with," said Dodge, who doesn't yet have a permanent post.
Commissionaires are carefully matched with clients to ensure they're a good fit for each job.
"As I say, it's kind of like eHarmony for Commissionaires," Brooks said. "We're in the business of creating long-term relationships."
He also recommends ThirdQuarter to other employers.
"The business experience that they've had over the previous 25 to 30 years that they have been in the workforce has given them, undoubtedly, a number of skill sets that are lacking in folks who haven't yet got that experience," he said.
"If there are other companies that are looking for mature applicants, this would be a perfect venue for them."
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Archives
November 2011
October 2011
- ThirdQuarter is a Great Resource
- National Seniors Council Report to Federal Government Promotes ThirdQuarter
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
- ThirdQuarter Presents Inaugural Employer Recognition Certificate
- ThirdQuarter Launches in Portage la Prairie
May 2011
- ThirdQuarter Fills Hiring Needs
- ThirdQuarters Are Reliable and Flexible
- ThirdQuarter Fills a Niche and Needs
- You Talked. We Acted.
- Portage la Prairie Launch Postponed
- ThirdQuarter 2.0 to be released May 17
April 2011
- ThirdQuarters Have Talent for Tutoring
- A Refreshing Change
- Bill Denyar - President - Atlantic Chambers of Canada
March 2011
- When Jim King talks about transferable skills, he speaks from experience
- Wanting a ThirdQuarter Encore
February 2011
- ThirdQuarter Hires Make an Impact
- ThirdQuarter Hires Make an Impact
- Steve McLellan - CEO - Saskatchewan Chambers of Commerce
- Don Anderson found his perfect match in ThirdQuarter
January 2011
- Office of Literacy and Essential Skills
Bureau de l'alphabétisation et des compétences essentielles
