As the economy continues its downward slide, the unemployment rate in B.C. continues to climb upward. Thousands of British Columbians are now looking for work. But there is a partial cure.
Job losses, company closures, market meltdown. There's no question B.C.'s economy is sick.
But amid all these economic ills, there is a bright spot: healthcare.
Lab technologist co-ordinator Deb Bonderud said skilled people are always in demand.
"You are almost always guaranteed a job in the health care profession, especially in the lab business," she said. "Currently we're short staffed. It's a very good wage, very competitive. You start out at about $26 an hour for a lab technologist."
As many companies shed workers, the Vancouver Island Health Authority is trying to snap them up, said Rod O'Connell of the Vancouver Island Health Authority.
"Health care is a growing industry. We continue to have a large number of vacancies available to us. If you go on our website at any given time we probably have as many as 450 jobs that we are recruiting," he said.
Sebastian Pisterzi has been a nurse for less than a year and he's happy with his career choice.
"I knew that I would be helping people, I knew it would be challenging and lots of opportunity was a big reason as well," he said.
But health care is more than just doctors and nurses. The health authority has openings for truck drivers, social workers and carpenters. And there are plenty of jobs for technicians.
"I like the fact it was such a short program. It was only part time for a year and then you're able to work frontline in the hospital right away," said Medical Lab Assistant Amy Crha.
With our aging society and ever-increasing healthcare needs, many consider these kinds of jobs recession proof. The job boom here isn't unique -- every health authority across B.C. is looking for people.
This is good news, considering so many other industries are on life support.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Jim Beatty.
