Who’s hiring? YYZ edition
With more than 400 employers operating out of Toronto Pearson, figuring out which companies are hiring for what positions can be a job in itself. We touched base with recruiters at AAS Canada, ASP and WestJet to understand what positions they need filled and who they’re looking to hire.
Ximena Bustillos, human resource co-ordinator, AAS Canada:
“We provide two core services for passengers with reduced mobility: transportation by golf carts and wheelchair assistance. When hiring, I look for candidates with the interpersonal skills a customer service agent will offer our travelling guests — great personality and communication skills, flexibility to work in a 24/7 operation and physical ability to perform the job. Our employees can progress in their careers by applying for internal positions like team leads, dispatchers and shift managers. The roles we hire are excellent entry-level positions for those passionate about helping people. Every day will be a new experience working with your colleagues and meeting new people.”
Sean Gallagher, human resources recruitment manager, ASP:
“We employ roughly 700 people in 16 different positions at Toronto Pearson, mainly in access control. Our security guards work close to 170 different posts throughout the terminals and on airside. We hire every week for access control and casual escorting; we aim for monthly training classes of 50 individuals. It’s great work because it’s flexible, but you do have to work a weekly minimum of two 12-hour shifts. When hiring, we’re mainly focused on customer service and communications. With this work, customer service is 90% and actual use of force is 10%. Our motto is that we hire for personality, we train for the job. We’ve had more than 100 staff retire over the years who worked 20+ years with ASP Inc.”
Donna Strathearn, training manager, WestJet Airlines:
“We mainly hire for four entry-level positions: ramp service agent, customer service agent, baggage service agent and flight attendant. Although we’re not looking to hire right now, we will be in October. It helps to have attended a flight service or hospitality program, or to have customer service experience. A lot of our interview questions relate to workplace safety, teamwork skills and attendance. We need flights to leave on time, so we need people to show up to work on time! We offer a fun work environment, flexible medical/dental packages and flight benefits that start immediately upon hiring, among other benefits.”