Steele O'Neil & Associates
Targeted Initiative For Older Workers
Targeted Initiative for Older Workers: Columbia Valley
The Targeted Initiative for Older Worker Program began in early 2008 in the East Kootenays and is funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Training. The goal of the program is to assist older workers to re-enter the workforce or to become self-employed. Program is coordinated by Steele O'Neil in Cranbrook, and College of the Rockies is the training partner.
Eligibility to Participate
- between the ages of 50-64, priority given to workers 55-64
- unemployed and legally entitled to work in Canada
- employable (including self-employment), available to attend program
- employment can be full or part-time but is an expected outcome of the program
- participants cannot be receiving EI benefits but can be EI reachback
What You Will Receive
- 8 weeks training, 4 days per week, 6 hrs per day
- weekly allowance and travel support if required
- one-on-one employment counselling and support
- COTR Leadership Skills Training Certificate
- COTR MS Office Certificate
- funding for individualized training
Program Includes:
- Workshops on Life Skills and Workplace Skills:
- Computer Training
- Access to Computer Lab for Resumes, Job Search, Computer Practice
- Supported Job Search, Work Experience or Job Shadowing
- Individualized Training in Work-Related Skills
- Self-Employment Training and Support
Workshops: Managing Change, Goal Setting, Learning Styles, Communication Skills, Assertiveness, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making; Success in the Workplace: Work Styles, Valuing Diversity, Customer Service Excellence, Fit and Healthy for Work
COTR Individualized Training Options (funded by program, depends on availability of programs): Upgrade Computer Skills, First Aid, Safety, Traffic Control, Airbrakes, Food Safe, Accounting, Bookkeeping, or other options, if available during time period and affordable within program budget.
Self-Employment Training and Support (Community Futures, Basin Business Advocates Program)