Human services field growing

STELLARTON - Uncertain futures are looming over businesses and careers worldwide but one field is said to be a growth industry.
That field falls under the rubric of Human Services.
On Tuesday at the Pictou Campus of the Nova Scotia Community College in Stellarton, employers in that field took part in a career fair which attracted great interest from the students.
Displays were set up by facilities and agencies from across the province including the VON, Valley View Villa, the Pictou County Health Authority, the MacLeod Group and Glen Haven Manor just to name a few.
Each presentation showcased what the particular service offered and presenters gave students a rundown from the perspective of a potential employee.
Three prospective employees are second-year students Sheri Janes, Amber Harford and Michelle Walsh.
Janes said they're getting a good idea of what options are available. "We're seeing what's out there when we graduate in June."
All three students agreed that the Human Services field is one of growth.
"I think that it's a good choice. Other practical nurses all have got 100 per cent placements. If you're a caring, compassionate person I would recommend this field of work."
Walsh agreed. "There's so many opportunities."
Harford expanded on the idea of growth in the field. "It's a good way to grow. In the first year there were some people who would say 'Oh, my God!' at the sight of blood and now they're saying 'I want to work in the OR'. It opens your eyes to what you're capable of doing and learning."
The VON of Pictou County was represented by Michele Bonvie, nurse manager, home support. "I'm discussing opportunities in nursing as well as continuing care maintenance and what the VON has to offer," she said during the career fair.
The opportunity is there now to find good jobs in the field, said Bonvie.
"It's an excellent time because a lot of people want to be at home, want to recuperate at home and be with their loved ones and we're able to offer that help so they can stay at home."
The display for Valley View Villa featured candy hearts, and with good reason.
"We're just basically trying to see if there's an interest from people with heart. We want people whose heart is in this profession."
Bugden said that approach - having your heart in it - is the key message she wants to get across to potential Valley View Villa employees.
"You have to have a caring attitude in order to work. You have to have the heart behind it."