08 January 2010
Posted in
News -
2010 News Archive
By Julie Collins -The Cape Breton Post
ST. ANNS - Interviews are underway for a Targeted Initiative for Older Worker (TIOW) program based at the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts in St. Anns
Northside-Victoria Economic Assistance Corporation (NEDAC) in partnership with the Gaelic College will be running the program, which is expected on or before Jan. 18.
It will feature six weeks in the classroom and 20 weeks of EI insurable work experience at the college.
"We've had huge success with earlier programs," said TIOW co-ordinator Moragh Ferguson. "Fourteen of the 16 participants in a program offered in North Sydney are working in an area of interest to them.
Ferguson said what makes this project different is that it is community based.
"Part of the previous programs was the search for employers. With this program, we will be based at the Gaelic College; it's a win-win for everyone concerned. As well, I felt we should literally go up over the mountain, climb higher and offer the program to other communities such as Baddeck and surrounding areas."
Applicants, both male and female, must be between the ages of 55 and 64. The classroom portion of the project will focus on personal development, essential skills and short-term training. Participants will receive safety training such as First Aid/CPR, WHMIS and labour standards.
This will be followed by a 20-week work placement at the college.
Ferguson said the participants will be exposed to many different skills and challenges during the project. These include carpentry, plumbing, painting, scaffolding, landscaping, retail, tourist guides and library cataloguing.
"Throughout the project we expect to move people around to ensure everyone gets an enhanced learning experience," she said. "I think it's important to reiterate that these older workers won't be taking jobs away from anyone. They will shadow the workers that are already employed and work with contractors on site as extra bodies that are there to learn, but can help with the overall project."
Ferguson added that participants quickly learn that they aren't alone when it comes to the challenges of being an older worker.
"This is the third such program. It's been my experience that participants in these older worker programs are eager to help each other and quickly become comfortable with each other and with the program."
Participants will receive $350 per week during the training period and $10 an hour (for a 40-hour week) for 20 weeks.
"This is our second year of involvement with the program," said Peggy MacAskill, assistant to Gaelic College executive director Sam MacPhee. "It's a wonderful program. Last year we had two participants join us to help catalogue our library items. We've since hired one of the ladies to work in the Hall of the Clans."
The main focus for the college is to close in the walkway between the two buildings at the entrance to the college. Everyone will enter and exit the facility through one main area.
In addition to learning the various skills, participants will also assist in the enhancement of displays in the museum and craft shop.
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