Two down, one to go!
On May 30, 2012 seven adults walked through the doors of Rm. 132 at the College of the North Atlantic, nervous, yet excited about the new adventure that awaited them. For the fifth consecutive year, Community Youth Network and Community Education Network have teamed up with the Department of Advanced Education and Skills to present a subsidized career developmental program to assist adults, aged 25 and older, transition into the workforce.
Phase Two, a four week Pre-Employment Training, emphasizes the concept of life-long learning and building on life experiences. This year, Power Up! partnered with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador (HNL) to present Ready-to-Work, a nationally recognized employment training program. Upon conclusion each participant will receive a Certificate of Completion from HNL with the possibility of receiving further recognition from emerit, a leader in Canada’s tourism industry.
Concentration on resume building and effective cover letter writing combined with interview skills enabled the group to confidently approach employers and secure employment for the next phase. Tania Dyke reflected on her accomplishments so far, “I’ve never done a cover letter until this week, and to have an employer read it and take the time to ask me questions, made me very proud.”
Although each has their own personal agenda for wanting to participate in the Power Up! Program, all of them agree, “it’s given me a chance to learn more about myself.”
Each participant will put their skills and new found confidence to work, as they begin the final phase-a 930 hour work placement. To date six employers in the Bay St. George area has employed participants for this year’s program.
Special thanks for all support and guidance from facilitators, organizations, and community agencies during the Pre-Employment Orientation: Dave Rex, and Shannon Nolan, the College of the North Atlantic, AES, CYN, CEN; Labour Standards Agency, Western Health, HSI, and Stephenville Relay for Life,.
Congratulations and good luck to all Power Up! participants as they begin the next phase.
