Career development program deemed a success!

“Power Up! has transformed me and my life,”  declared Shannon Nolan, spokesperson for the six program participants at a completion ceremony held at Stephenville Lion’s Club, Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Along with Mr. Nolan, Al White, Glendora Young, Melissa Fulford, Nicole Benoit and Paul Skinner received program completion certificates and congratulations from all involved in the program. Joining the celebration were program sponsors, Community Youth Network and Community Education Network, workplace employers, and the funding agency, Advanced Education and Skills.

Power Up! is a career development program offering individuals an avenue through which they can build upon and increase their employability skills. The nine month program is designed for adults 25 years and upward who wish to enter or re-enter the work force. Program Coordinator, Corinne Tulk, overviewed the program for guests and acknowledged there are personal challenges to be faced when undertaking a program of this nature. She was proud of the participants who successfully completed four weeks of pre-employment training, which included 20 hours of community service, and 12 bi-weekly developmental workshops during their 936 hour work placement.

Contributing employers were Canadian Tire, Dennis GM, Pets-R-Us, Western College, Town of Lourdes and Coleman’s Food Center.  Each received an appreciation tribute in recognition of their valuable role in participants’ skill development at their work sites.

Wrapping up his powerful address, Mr. Nolan related how individuals and events associated with the program encouraged him to think deeply about who he is. Speaking on behalf all program participants, he summed up saying, “Power Up! has given me a present that I can be proud of, and a future that my family and I can look forward to.”