Ashland Training Centre in Castlegar is going through changes as a result of a government shifting of services. The centre will be entering a new era and will continue to offer employment project sponsorship, service sector and computer training to the community.
"The federal government has transferred all their counselling and normal employment assisted services over to the province,"
said co-ordinator Paul Tupholme. "As of April 2, the province will be running all the federal programs other than EI and youth programs.
We will carry on with computer training, short-term certificate course, WorkSafe, and things like that."
Ashland will also offer a Job Options Program for umployed, non EI attached Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, and those not attending school.
"We also have a program for older workers between ages 55 and 64, who want to get back in the work force," said Tupholme. "We teach them computer skills and modern technology and class based skill development such as job search and career planning, funding to access training, and income support for the duration of the in-class training portion of the program."
Kootenay Career Development Services in Nelson will be taking over counselling of people with resumes and long-term training through EI.
Tupholme said that Kootenay Career Development Services will be opening up an office in Castlegar soon.