Workforce Connections

Workforce Connections Bridging the Gap In January 2008, GREAT entered into a three year contract with the Employment Insurance Commission of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada to develop and deliver a three year research project to assist Aboriginal individuals to prepare for, obtain and retain employment. The intent is to provide employment readiness skills training and a subsidized job placement to selected participants. In the first year, 100 individuals signed on to Workforce Connections. By the end of 2010, it is expected that 225 will have done so.

 PROGRAM COMPONENTS

 Employment Readiness Course: 8 weeks long, incorporating such areas as communication skills, motivation methods, staying positive, managing resources, resume writing and interview skills. Participants are eligible for training allowances.

 Subsidized Employment Placement: 12 weeks of paid employment. Participating employers receive wage subsidy dollars and assistance with mandatory employment related costs such as EI, WSIB, CPP and Vacation Pay.

 Screening and Referral: Workforce Connections staff members pre-screen and refer suitable applicants to participating employers. Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Workforce Connections Staff members maintain contact during the placement and are available to assist should any difficulties arise.

PROJECT STAFF

Yvonne Beaver, Project Manager yvonne@greatsn.com

Jordon Fraser, Employment Readiness Coordinator jordon@greatsn.com

 Bernadette Bomberry, Employment Readiness Coordinator bernadette@greatsn.com

Cheryl Miller, Social Counsellor cheryl@greatsn.com

Ed Hannigan, Employer Services Outreach Representative ed@greatsn.com

 Lori Harris, Employer Services Coordinator lori@greatsn.com

 Marilyn Lickers, Administrative Assistant marilyn@greatsn.com