JASON SETNYK
Residents exploring new career paths gathered at Job Zone d’emploi or a Training and Programs Fair that brought together several local organizations offering education and workforce development services. About 40 people attended the two-hour event. Roughly half a dozen service providers were on hand to answer questions and share information about upgrading skills, returning to school, or exploring new career pathways. Organizations present included the Eastern Ontario Training Board (EOTB), Tri-County Literacy Council (TCLC), and Contact North.
William Bray, project coordinator with EOTB, said the fair provided an opportunity to connect directly with people who are considering new career options or seeking information about training. “We’re here talking about some of our upcoming programs,” Bray said. “We have a bridging program for the home support worker, which allows people to get experience and hands-on training when it comes to being a home support worker here in our community.”
The Home Support Worker bridging program is designed to help participants gain the skills needed to work in home-care services, a sector that continues to experience labour shortages. The program is delivered in partnership with St. Lawrence College (SLC) and includes classroom instruction along with practical training. Bray said the program is particularly intended to help newcomers who already have related experience transition into Canada’s workforce. “The training is provided by SLC, and then we have a number of employers here in the community that are excited to take them on and help them start their journey as a home support worker,” he explained. Applications are now open, with limited spaces available.
Bray added that the program responds to workforce gaps identified through the EOTB’s labour market research. “We’re seeing some gaps in the home-care field, which is why we are offering the home support worker training,” he said. Another organization represented at the fair was the TCLC, which provides free adult literacy and basic skills training. Volunteer coordinator Carol Anne Maloney said the organization is preparing to launch two new short-term training courses aimed at helping participants prepare for entry-level employment. “One is the retail training,” Maloney explained. “It’s going to be offered by Mrs. B. She will be the instructor, and it involves about four to five weeks in the classroom.”
The course focuses on practical workplace skills such as customer service, store procedures, and health and safety. Maloney said TCLC is also introducing a hospitality training course that will start March 23. “It is aimed at helping people get entry-level jobs. All of our trainings are free as long as you’re an adult with a SIN number,” Maloney said. In addition to classroom training, TCLC offers individualized tutoring and small-group learning designed to help adults improve reading, writing, math, and digital skills. The fair also featured Contact North, Ontario’s distance education and training network, which connects residents with online programs offered by colleges, universities, and other training providers. Luc Piette, education and training advisor with Contact North, said the organization focuses on helping people access education regardless of their location.
“We try to target rural areas, places that may not have access to be able to displace themselves and go to the actual location,” Piette said. “Our main focus is to provide online education for those places.” Contact North partners with post-secondary institutions across the province and can help prospective students explore thousands of programs.
“We have over 4,000 courses that we have access to,” Piette said. “We partner with 24 colleges and 25 universities, so there’s a plethora of opportunities for programs and courses.” While the courses themselves may have tuition fees depending on the institution, Contact North’s support services are free. “If someone is looking for university courses that have a fee, we help them with the online application for OSAP or other application systems if they have difficulties.” For those who missed the fair, Piette said residents can still reach out for guidance. “My office is in the EOTB building, and I’m happy to help if you have any questions,” he said.
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