Spaces still available in paid “Program for Youth”

Nov 10, 2011

There are still five spaces available for anyone aged 15-30 looking for a paid training/employment opportunity this fall in the Sharbot Lake and surrounding area.

The federally funded program called the Blossoms Project is being offered through the Sharbot Lake branch of St. Lawrence College Employment Centre and it commences on Monday, November 14. Program coordinator Karen McGregor hopes to see all the spaces fill up. “In a region like this where seasonal work tends to dry up in the fall, this is a great opportunity for someone to gain skills and experience when normally there would not be any employment opportunities. This program not only offers youth a chance to build on their skills and confidence but gives them a chance to carry out a number of projects in the community that have the definite possibility of opening up new doors for them.” The program pays participants for 30 hours a week at $10.25/hour for 12 weeks and also offers participants a pair of free work boots along with a bonus of $500 to those who complete the program. The program is specifically designed for those who have some barriers to employment or education, be it living in a rural area, being a single parent or having an incomplete high school education. It aims to give youth the experience and skills they need to either become more employable or to return to school.

The 12-week program begins with a six-week in-class training segment where students will learn various employment skills like resumé and cover letter writing. Professional trainers will be brought into the classroom to certify participants, free of charge, in First Aid/CPR, Smart Serve, and various safety training areas like Fall Arrest, Confined Spaces and WHMIS.

The second half of the program will offer participants hands-on work projects in the community, and local contractor Bill Young will be leading the group in various community building projects that have been proposed through the township. These proposed projects include designing and building wheel chair accessible picnic tables for area parks, designing and building a new attendant’s shed and a covered drive shed to house recyclable items at the Wemp Road dump site, and other smaller projects as well.

McGregor is especially excited about the community projects section of the program. “These projects offer participants a chance to learn a wide variety of skills including research and design skills, hands-on technical skills as well as communication skills which are all transferable. Not only that but these programs have shown when young people are actively involved in creating beauty in their community, they also will tend to take pride in the community.” ”

Organizers have already filled their quota for grade twelve graduates for the program but spaces are still available for those who have not completed their grade 12 education. Anyone interested in participating in the program can contact Karen McGregor or Ashley Barrie at 613-545-3949 ext.1890.