Submitted by the HSEDS-The Hecate Strait Employment Development Society (HSEDS) has hired two part-time island residents as coordinators of the Mature Worker Project. Shirley Kricheldorf will serve clients at the north end of the islands and Marla Abbott will serve the south end.
The Mature Worker Program offers employment support for workers between 55-64 years old and is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments as an initiative to address an emerging shortage of workers in Canada. The program provides training and skills to assist people to stay in the workforce longer, either through re-integration for unemployed persons or by helping those who may be facing unemployment maintain their jobs. The types of training may include: basic computer skills, first aid, Superhost, Foodsafe, basic bookkeeping, resume and grant proposal writing and more. Some resources are also directed at community employers.
The program is provided at no cost to participants who meet the criteria. To be eligible you must be between 55 and 64 years of age, although permission can be sought for clients outside the age range. The program offers a chance to network and gain access to resources.
If you would like more information on this program please call Shirley at 626-3625 or Marla at 559-4242. Hecate Strait Employment Development also manages a Self-Employment Program and more information on that can be found at 1-800-808-3988.