Ashland Training Centre (ATC) is working together to help bring community-based work experiences to local individuals who are currently seeking long-term job search help, supported work experience and follow-up support service. Ashland Training Centre approached the community organizations in hopes they could partner together to offer these individuals some job experience that aligns with the Job Options BC (WORC = Work Opportunities Referrals and Connections) Program.
CPR museum director Deb McIntosh offered ATC two community projects providing safe work sites, a skilled person to instruct and mentor the workers. The first project involves removing debris, old shrubbery, cleaning paths and large branches on Zuckerberg Island. The second project includes cleaning, repair and overall maintenance on the Castlegar Museum.
Ashland Training Centre sees the partnership as an excellent gateway to hands-on work experience for the program participants. “The gained experience from the local organizations will take them a long way,” says Stephanie Allen, Team Leader of the Program for ATC. “It’s important we develop these partnerships with these local organizations; they are the work-force we are training these people for.”
The on-site job experience is just one portion of the program. Ashland also provides the participants with classroom-based training, including computer training, certifications, and follow-up support. The program is 10 weeks in length, and brings in 12 people per session. Funding for the program is provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. The group currently working has been busy on Zuckerberg Island, and will hopefully make a big enough dent that the next group could start on other areas within the organization.
For more information on Ashland Training Centre or the Job Options BC (WORC = Work Opportunities Referrals and Connections) Program, please contact Stephanie Allen at 250-365-0966.