An Extra Christmas Present

Kim Tysick | Dec 16, 2010

By Jim Tysick, Northern Connections Adult Learning Centres –Sharbot Lake

Susan Ducharme has something extra to celebrate this Christmas. As of December 16, Susan will have completed her college program at Northern Connections Adult Learning Centres. She will be leaving with a certificate in Small Business Bookkeeping from Loyalist College.

In the summer of 2009, Susan came to Northern Connections to access employment services. After previously working in landscaping and traffic control, she was looking for a less physical job. Our employment counselor suggested that Susan apply for Second Career funding. She was accepted for the funding, and in September 2009, she began to do upgrading at Northern Connections to get ready for her college program. When she started her Loyalist College bookkeeping program in January 2010, she was able to do it online at Northern Connections.

Susan admits that when she first came to Northern Connections she felt a bit overwhelmed. After all, she had been out of school for a number of years and she didn’t have much computer knowledge. The staff, however, helped her when she needed assistance and it wasn’t long before she felt comfortable in her new role as a student. Susan has learned a lot over the last year and a half at Northern Connections. In the new year, she hopes to get a job in bookkeeping.

Another person who received her college training through Loyalist College at Northern Connections is Patricia Ramirez. Patricia completed her Office Administration-Medical Transcriptionist Diploma in August and is now employed at the Menoyawin Hospital in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

Maybe you have been considering a new career that needs college, but you don’t want to move or make the commute? Doing an online college program at Northern Connections Adult Learning Centres may be your answer. If you would like to know more about how Northern Connections can help you with your future call us at 613-279-2499 or 613-336-0691 or drop by at 24719 Highway #7 Sharbot Lake or 12345 Highway #41 Northbrook. For information as to what funding may be available to you please contact your nearest Employment Service office.

Next Christmas you too could have something extra to celebrate. As Susan Ducharme points out, “If I did it, most people can!”