Royal Canadian Naval Reserves, Charlottetown
Jobs: Reservists
“Working in the Reserves is great for high school and post-secondary students because it is part-time work that allows more flexibility to allow people to complete their education while training and getting experience in many occupations,” says Jaime Donaldson.
There are five military establishments on PEI. The Royal Canadian Naval Reserves has a presence at HMCS Queen Charlotte, Queen Charlotte Armory, and the Signals Regiment at Victoria Park. There is also a supply depot in the Charlottetown Business Park and a recruiting centre.
There are about 250 Reservists on PEI, including about 18 full-time positions. HMCS Queen Charlotte has about 90 to 100 people, including those away on contract training or on deployment. PEI Regiment has about 120 people, and Signals Regiment has about 40 people.
At HMCS Queen Charlotte, 14 occupations are offered by the Canadian Armed Forces. Officer occupations require university completion. They are groomed to become leaders and managers.
“Many job options are available for Reservists, such as Technicians and Specialists, Human Resource Administrator, Financial Services, and Logistics Officer,” says Jaime. “We have job opportunities in the Reserves and the regular Armed Forces.”
“For students, training is scheduled around the academic year. They are guaranteed employment every Wednesday and one Saturday a month. More work is available, depending on their availability. People with full course loads may work in the evenings.
In the summer, full-time employment is available.”
The enrollment process can take up to three months. “The earlier you get in, the more you start to realize the benefits. People are accepted up to age 57. There are a lot more options than people realize. It will be the best decision you ever make.”
Jaime says this career path offers over 100 occupations to choose from. “I joined the Reserves in 2009. I had just finished my first year at UPEI and was looking for a job for the summer that would challenge me and would help me stay in shape, because I was on the UPEI hockey team.
“When I joined the Reserves, I worked full-time for the summer and came back in better shape than when I started. I loved the experience so much I am still a Reservist 10 years later.
“I trained and was certified as a Human Resource Administrator. I jumped at the opportunity to become a Recruiter because I really like sharing my story. This career has allowed me to get my degree, play hockey, and travel.
“Human Resources through the Armed Forces falls under logistics training. Your trade choice determines where you will be stationed. I attended CFB Borden, Ontario to do basic and trades training, which was accomplished in about four months. All was paid for by the Armed Forces.”
Jaime was able to combine university and reservist training, and earned a degree in biology and one in psychology. She took advantage of the flexibility offered by the Reserves by taking off a summer to travel.
“When I told my parents that I wanted to join, they were very hesitant because they didn’t want me to be in a position where I could be deployed. But Reserves is not a career choice where that would happen.”
For more details, call 1-902-569-6130, or visit the HMCS Queen Charlotte or the PEI Regiment on Water Street in Charlottetown. Visit www.forces.ca.
Jobs: The Royal Canadian Navy Reserve is actively recruiting members to fill a wide selection of occupations:
Officer Trades
- MARS Officer
- Intelligence Officer
- Logistics Officer
- Chaplain
Non-Commissioned Trades
- Cooks
- Naval Communicators
- Naval Combat Information Operators
- Marine Engineer Systems Operators
- Resource Management Clerks
- Supply Technicians
- Boatswains
The Royal Canadian Naval Reserve provides its members with a flexible alternative to the Regular Force. The Navy Reserve is designed so members can fulfill their part-time commitment while attending school or working another career.
Basic training is the first step in advancing your career and is a right-of passage for all members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Following that, you will receive training specific to the naval environment. You will then receive courses and on-the-job-training in your chosen occupation. While on course, on-the-job training or long term contracts reservists are engaged in full time employment. Full time employment provides excellent opportunities to save money as many of your costs such as housing, food and gym needs are covered.
The guarantee of a summer job, a part-time job throughout the year, on-going professional development and the tuition reimbursement program are some of the main reasons why people find the Navy Reserve so appealing. The Canadian Armed Forces are an employer with a number of benefits which includes a pension program, highly competitive salary, substantial holiday compensation and many others.
A challenging and rewarding career awaits you in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve.
For more information visit: www.forces.ca.