Successful Programs and Projects

CAREER COUNSELLING and WORKPLACE TRAINING PROGRAMS

Alberni Valley Wage Subsidy Program
A wage subsidy program sponsored by Service Canada to give unemployed EI eligible clients a job search advantage.

Alpine Employment Resource Centre, Kimberley
Provision of employment services to clients of Service Canada in Kimberley and area. Serving the community since 1999.

ASPECT Training Works
Delivery of Workplace Based Training program for ASPECT, provided job placement services for individuals on Income Assistance; contract from January 2000 – 2003.

Columbia Valley Employment Centre
Provision of employment services to clients of Service Canada in Invermere and area. Serving the community since 2004.

East Kootenay Training for Jobs
Ministry of Employment and Income Assistances training and job placement program to support individuals on Income Assistance to make a successful transition to work. (December 2002 – present)

East Kootenay Targeted Wage Subsidy Program
A wage subsidy program sponsored by Service Canada to give unemployed EI eligible clients a job search advantage.

Pre-Employment Services
Individuals on Income Assistance with disabilities are provided career counselling and work experience in preparation of choosing new work within their capabilities. Funded by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, contract runs from December 2002 – June 2007.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling
Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance contract to provide employment counselling to disabled clients; includes job club, resumes, supports and related services. Ongoing since 1998, this contract finished in June 2003.

Business Works
Employment program to provide workplace training employment opportunities for social assistance recipients; contracted by Westcoast Development Group. (June 1998 – July 1999)


PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (YOUTH, WOMEN’S PROGRAMS)

Youth Moving Forward Program
HRDC sponsored 8 week youth program to provide lifeskills and job search skills in preparation for employment. (February – March 2004)

Youth Awareness Program (Expanding Horizons)
HRDC sponsored a youth initiatives program to raise awareness for employers and youth on the challenges of entering the labour market. A series of short televised interviews were produced by youth and aired on local cable. (February – April 2002)

Cranbrook Parks Youth Program (ParkWyze)
Six-month youth training and work experience program that provided maintenance to Cranbrook parks for 10 youth. June 2002 – November 2002

Yahk Community Youth Project
Six month youth training program partnership with Human Resources Development Canada, BC Parks and Yahk Kingsgate Recreation Society; provided training in general maintenance, trail building, community development, first aid, safety; completed numerous projects in the Yahk community. April – October, 2001.

Environmental Youth Team, Trails BC
Ten week program to provide five youth with work experience and training, while building a portion of the Trans Canada Trail near Cranbrook. September – November 2000.

Environmental Youth Team, BC Parks
Ten week program to provide ten youth with work experience and training, while conducting various projects within BC Parks in the East Kootenays. May-July, 2000.

Bridging Programs for Women
Six month training and counselling programs for women in Cranbrook and Fernie (three programs in three years) who have been victims of abuse. Funded by MSDES, HRDC and Ministry for Womens’ Equality. (1997 – 2000)

Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Youth Training Project
Five-month youth training program focused on project management and entrepreneurial skills, that delivered a trade show in Cranbrook in November 1998. Funded by HRDC. (June - December, 1998)


CONSULTING

Cranbrook Revitalization Project
Consulting contract to develop a long-term strategic Revitalization plan for the City of Cranbrook. The plan was adopted as part of the Official Community Plan. (June 1998 - March 1999)

L’ax Ghels Community Law Centre Society
Consulting contract with the Terrace Legal Aid office to re-organize staffing positions, develop management role and job description, and to review and recommend board improvements. (June - October 1999)

Tourism Awareness Survey of the East Kootenays:
Survey of 1511 households and 205 businesses in the East Kootenays to determine attitudes to and awareness of tourism industry. (January - June, 1998)

Blue Lake Forest Education Society
Prepared Strategic Plan.


SERVICES FOR BUSINESS

Basin Business Advocates Program
Funded by Columbia Basin Trust, this year long program provides free business counselling to businesses in the Columbia Basin. Six business advocates are providing these services throughout the area. $850,000 contract. August 2000- present

Executive and Staff Recruiting Services
Steele O’Neil and Associates provides Recruitment services to employers. Services include advertising, screening, reference checking, interviewing, related services. Clients have included Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Community Futures.


CONSULTATION, FACILITATION AND EVENT PLANNING

Focus on Careers
Coordinated twelve public information sessions in Cranbrook over a two year period, to provide current information on careers with potential; format is a panel of speakers, resources from community and printed information. Funded by HRDC.

Forest Renewal BC Regional Advisory Process:
Organization of all aspects of regional conference, including marketing, panel discussion, facility arrangements. (April 1998)

Community Consultation Process for HRDC and MAETT
Public Consultation with ten communities in the East and West Kootenays to determine critical labour market issues. (January - March 1998)