YMCA Employment
Jamie Tripp introduced Martina Wall of the Employment Resource Centre. Jamie is on the advisory board and says he is aware of the challenges faced by local employers and the opportunites available through the service and he thought it would be interesting for the employers in the Club to know more about it.
Martina said the office is part of the Employment and Commercial department of YMCA Muskoka and that there are similar offices in Barrie. The Midland office has been at 324 King St. since January and is open to anyone who is eligible to work in Canada. Clients can access services at several levels - some just come to use the computers or fax machines to update their resumes and send them out - some atten workshops that offer job search tools, assist with resume and cover letter writing and etc. and - some work with advisors on a 1 to 1 basis to discuss their search.
The office is funded by the Provinical Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and it works with Georgian College and the Literacy Council when a client could benefit. Money is available for training and subsidies, which is an effective way to get a client into a job that can lead to permanent employment.
In April the office is sponsoring a job fair and the Superstore, Rona, the Brick and HDH, among others, will be interviewing. Many people face multiple barriers when trying to enter the workforce and the office can help them make contacts and can assist during the first days of employment.
Martina read from a letter written by a woman who moved from London and had good job experience and good qualifications. The writer explained how she was confident of getting a job easily because she knew all about it but after a few failures she found she had much to learn about presenting herself to employers. The video of herself practising an interview showed her many bad habits she wasn't aware of and, using the insights offered by the staff, quickly found a job.
The service is free and the office is open Tuesday evening and Saturdays. Jamie added that employers can post job descriptions there.
Martina, in response to a question, said that the Y had submitted a tender for the contract being let by the Ministry and was awarded it.
Dwayne thanked Martina for her presentation and suggested that many employers might now make use of the service.