Older Workers Employment Program

10 Week Program to meet the need for workers in communities where there is a worker shortage by providing personal planning, life and work skills and supports to eligible participants.

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
• EI recipients can apply, but priority given to participants not on EI

Participant Supports
• weekly allowance, maximum $423, up to ten weeks
• transportation allowance to COTR classes
• dependent care support

Location and Start Dates

• Elk Valley Residents: COTR Fernie April 7

• Columbia Valley Residents: COTR Invermere April 14

• Cranbrook/Kimberley Residents: COTR Kimberley April 21

Program Details
• one week intake and assessment
• four weeks (four days per week) group skills training at COTR
• five weeks individualized training, job search and support

GROUP SKILLS TRAINING (4 weeks, 4 days per week, 7 hours per day)

Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Windows, Email, Internet

Lifeskills: Managing Change, Goal Setting, Learning Styles, Communication Skills, Assertiveness, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making

Strategic Personal Plan for Work: Looking Back: Skills Assessment, Valuing Experience, Transferrable Skills, Lifelong Learning, Options for Work, Self Employment, Starting a Business, Job Search and Interview Skills and Resume Writing, Internet Job Search

Success in the Workplace: Work Styles, Valuing Diversity, Customer Service Excellence, “Be As Cool As Your Kids!” (New Technology), Fit and Healthy for Work

INDIVIDUALIZED PROGRAM (up to 5 weeks)

COTR Individualized Training Options (funded by program, depends on availability of programs): Upgrade Computer Skills, First Aid, Safety, Traffic Control, Airbrakes, Foodsafe, Accounting, Bookkeeping, or other options, if available during time period and affordable within program budget.

Business Start-Up Training and Support (Community Futures, Basin Business Advocates Program)

Supported Job Search, Job Placement, Work Experience

Support to Business Start-up (no funds available for business start-up)

Click here for our application form.