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TIES 2 WORK:
The TIES 2 Work (Training in Essential Skills) program is an innovative community partnership assisting individuals in short term workplace essential skills training leading to full-time living wage employment. This unique program matches the needs of local employers with individuals in our community who are seeking employment. Vibrant Communities Saint John (VCSJ), in partnership with employers, community agencies, government and educational institutions is encouraging its second wave of employers to try this new employer-specific training approach. The goal is to create a match between employers and potential employees by providing essential skills training specifically tailored to employer requirements. Job candidates are pre-screened and selected by employers before they begin 12 weeks of classroom and on-site training and, in return, are promised a full-time job. TIES 2 Work is based on successful programs in Canada and the United States.
To date, three employers – Coast Tire and Auto Service, the City of Saint John and Fortis Properties – with a total of six positions have been involved with TIES 2 Work. Six participants who were screened for their literacy levels, prior learning and desire and readiness for work began training in early April, 2009.
The program offers a solution to the difficulties associated with finding the right people for particular jobs, and it provides the break that would-be employees need to make a fresh start.
For more information please contact Cathy Wright at Vibrant Communities, at 832-5624 or cwright@nb.aibn.com
JOB BUS TOUR:
The Job Bus Tour involves a small group of job seekers participating in short on-site visits with employers to better understand the kinds of jobs that are available and criteria for employment. Each visit with an employer takes approximately an hour with a small group of between six and ten individuals. A total of 15 individuals and five different employers have participated in the tours to date.
Businesses are being approached that would be interested in introducing their company to small groups of potential employees from low income neighbourhoods. The Job Bus Tour assists employers in connecting to potential employees, in talking about what they are looking for in a potential employee and in helping to recognize the assets in their own community.
The Job Bus Tour is being organized by Vibrant Communities Saint John in partnership with a number of community organizations, government departments and neighbourhood organizations. It is part of a Poverty Reduction Strategy for Saint John, building networks that link people to the labour force.
For more information please contact Cathy Wright at Vibrant Communities, at 832-5624 or cwright@nb.aibn.com.
CATCH THE WAVE TO WORK:
Catch the Wave to Work is a ½ day workshop for individuals looking for work that focuses on helping individuals identify their assets; current job opportunities and community and government resources that can assist them in their next steps. The workshop is also an opportunity to hear from employers and the kinds of specific skills they are seeking in individuals.
Two workshops have been held to date with close to 50 individuals in attendance.
Businesses recruiting employees either now or in the near future are invited to participate. The next workshop is Friday, October 2 nd. Contact Brenda Murphy at Urban Core Support Network at 642-9033 or murbre@reg2.health.nb.ca.
Catch the Wave to Work is organized by a partnership of Enterprise Saint John, Urban Core Support Network and Vibrant Communities.
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