A group of 10 Ontario Works recipients are building a lot more than a washroom and lunchroom at the Goodwill Industries Recycling Centre; they’re in the process of building new careers.
The project is a joint effort with the Employment and Social Services program of Chatham-Kent, Ontario Works and Goodwill Industries of Lambton-Kent-Essex.
Ken Hyra, a Chatham-Kent employment resource worker who’s overseeing the project, said it’s about providing people who want to work with the skills, equipment and training to take that step back into the workforce.
“We’ve provided a three week program that brings workers up to date on hazardous materials training, health and safety responsibility, resume writing and help overcoming issues that may hold them back,” he said.
Fifteen applicants were interviewed, ten were accepted and after completing their training, they were hired by Goodwill for the six-week project.
“This provides more than just an opportunity to fill in a gap in a resume,” said program manager Polly Smith. “The aim is that when this project is over there are 10 people capable of working in the construction field because they have the skills and knowledge.”
Michelle Repuski, director of Workforce Development at the Goodwill Career Centre, said her group has been happy with the partnership.
“Providing jobs is extremely important for us and being able to join forces to help these workers is exactly what we are all about,” she said.
Smith said her department is always looking to partner with both private business and not-for-profit groups who can benefit.
“The people in the marketplace know best what they need and we welcome inquiries from someone who wonders if we can help,” she said. “We have access to a lot of different resources and if we can make it work, we certainly will.”
Looks like a great way to get people the training they need to find jobs. Good to hear!