Employment Programs Work!

“Employment programs work! You just have to believe!” That was the message Power Up! 2018 participant wants the world to know. “You have to be ready, and you need to want it!” she said of the employment program Power Up! hosted by Community Education Network since 2008.

Tracey was joined by two of her fellow participants on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 as they celebrated the closing of the program and their achievements since its beginning in June 2017.

The 36 week program offers adults aged 25 years+ who continue to face barriers finding work and are dependent on the provincial income support system to offset their financial needs. The four week orientation paired with a 26 week work placement offers participants skill enhancement, increase in self confidence and work experience that enables a smoother transition from income support to self-sufficiency.

Program coordinator, Corinne Tulk, Melissa Bennett and Winnifred White joined Tracey, along with Career Development Specialist with the Department of Advanced Education, Skills & Labour and employer Paula Woodfine at a gathering at Day’s Inn where certificates of completion were presented.

At the conclusion of the program, two of the three who attended are working with their placement employers while two others continue to look for work.

Paula Woodfine, employee with YMCA, spoke highly of the program and the caliber of work ethic that Tracey has brought to their existing work environment. “Tracey has been a God-sent since her first day. Her positive attitude is a welcome inspiration to us all when days get rough. She is one of the hardest workers I know and we are blessed to have her continue on with us.”

Power Up! is one of three employment readiness programs hosted by CEN throughout the year. Currently, Transitions to Work and Linkages are underway.

Transitions to Work, for it’s second year offers income support recipients over the age of 18 an opportunity to build employment skills through skill-based, hands-on workshops and interactive sessions. Participants enhance their life skills and learn how to use them to manage a work-life balance; engage in certification training and work one-on-one with a Job Search Coach once the program concludes.

Linkages, similar to Power Up! offers those with a Grade 10 education, no post-secondary training and little to no work experience the opportunity to build and enhance existing employment skills through a one-week orientation and a 26 week work placement opportunity. Participants report back every two weeks to continue their skill building and creating a positive network that is able to offer support upon completion. It is the goal of the program that Linkages participants will continue enhancing their skills through formal post-secondary education.

For more information on either of these employment programs: Power Up! Linkages or Transitions to Work call Corinne Tulk, Employment Programs Coordinator with CEN at 709-643-2247.