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 Our Summer Interns, Grace and Janelle, are hosting an Open House for our NEW Youth Employment Centre - located here in Bridgewater at 215 Dominion Street on July 21st drop in anytime from 12:30 to 4:00. Have a tour of our Youth Employment Centre, browse resources, learn more about our free services and explore your opportunities!
We are happy to announce we will be hosting Job Fair 2022 - Let's get to work! at the Days Inn, 50 North Street, Bridgewater, May 26th between 11am & 2pm. Local employers with jobs to fill will be in attendance and on-the-spot interviews will take place. Be prepared, dress for success and bring your resume! We will have an ASL Interpreter available at the venue. Our lineup of local employers registered are:
Everyone is welcome! Phone: (902) 543-2479 or toll free: 1 (866) 711-0411 email: [email protected] We are offering a Tourism and Hospitality program May 2nd-27th designed for people who identify as having a disability who want to enhance their tourism & hospitality skills.
Program key topics will include:
Hours of the program: 9:00am-12:OO pm Exception of a few longer days (9am-3:30 pm) due to time to complete some certifications. There are limited seats so book yours today! Contact by email: [email protected], or by phone 902 543-2479 Toll-free at 1-866-711-0411  We’ve heard you. It’s been a rough couple of years, with a lot of us wondering ‘what now’? It has been common for people to be asking this question with all the changes we have endured during Covid, but we are here to help whether you are looking for a career change, thinking about retraining or starting your own business or maybe entering the job market for the first time.
We will be in New Germany on Tuesday, April 5th, 11am – 2pm at the Anglican Church Hall, drop in to meet with Jennifer and Heather and learn more about services in the area, and to discuss your individual situation and how we can help you. Also staff from our Adult Learning Opportunities program will be available to discuss our free learning services to help you with next steps. Who should attend? -Upcoming high school or college grads -Recent grads -Job seekers -People exploring changing careers -Those thinking about adult upgrading or taking a college course -New community members looking to hear about community services -People interested in exploring self-employment -Those who are interested in mentoring or volunteering their skills Can't make it? Contact us for more information (902) 543-2479 Toll-free at 1-866-711-0411 or Email us at [email protected] We are excited to finally unveil the brand new Employment Solutions website! You can find our new site at the same address, www.empsolutions.ca, where you can find information for job seekers, employers, career planning, adult learning opportunities and more!
Alisha became a client of Nova Scotia Works Employment Solutions in November 2018. She came to our Hubbard’s office with a clear goal and a determined spirit. Alisha envisioned owning and running a restaurant in her community. Being a resident of Hubbard’s and with a commitment to her community, Alisha was excited and motivated about her plans. She knew the perfect location for her restaurant. Alisha wanted to purchase a well-known Diner in Hubbard’s that was for sale. She imagined running her restaurant in a central location, a spot that the community of Hubbard’s was familiar with. She wanted to support her local community, so this location was ideal. Alisha wanted to create a menu that would include something for everyone, be it a dish that was tried and true or something unique and new. Alisha also wanted to cater to individuals with food restrictions and those looking for something healthy. With a lot of experience working in a kitchen, both as a cook and in a management role, she had the essential tools and a good foundation to help her start in her business pursuit.
Although she had the essential skills needed for running a kitchen, Alisha had not owned a business before. She came to Nova Scotia works Employment Solutions in pursuit of support of the Self Employment Benefits Program to help her gain these skills. She enrolled and was accepted into the program. From the beginning, Alisha was optimistic, motivated, and ambitious. She took full advantage of the services offered in the SEB program, attending more than the required number of workshops, meetings with her business counsellor and networking with likeminded businesspeople. Along with the program, Alisha benefited from other community resources that were at her disposal. She attended networking functions, fundraisers, and food expos. Alisha gained insight, skills and explored many avenues to help with her ideas. She was determined to succeed in the plan she envisioned for her restaurant. Succeed she did. Today the Savary Plate Eatery and Pizzeria has become a fast favorite to many people from local residence to tourists. The business is thriving with an extensive menu to please many taste buds. It is a busy spot with great food and a friendly atmosphere. Alisha has employed a good team of Staff who work hard to ensure customer satisfaction. With her a strong vision mixed with hard work, positive attitude and passion for what she does, Alisha was able to turn her dream into reality. Ben registered with Nova Scotia Works Employment Solutions in March 2020 with a clear goal to find employment with is current skill set, preferably in a deli or kitchen setting making food. Ben had a keen interest, as well as experience in food prep. His resume includes volunteer work through past school placements and other community-based organizations. Ben gained skills through his training in reception, landscaping, maintenance, and woodwork. Ben was also hopeful to find employment in his local nearby community of Chester.
Soon after registering with Employment Solutions Society Ben met with Job Developer Lisa to work in collaboration with Bens Case Manager. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions staff were working from, we had to meet over video chat and brainstorm on his employment goals for the future. This caused no deterrence for Ben. With support of the Job Developer, Ben narrowed down a few employers in his area he would like to work for. When restrictions began to ease, Ben applied for and then accepted a position with a local grocery store. Having completed a school placement there in the past, Ben was eager and excited to get started in his new role in a food prep position. He looked for to (and still does) getting up for his early morning shifts. The employer was able to access funding through the Federal budget, The Opportunity Fund wage subsidy. The subsidy is given to assist with the cost of hiring a new employee. It was evident that this employer would be a good match. Through Bens experience in the past, he had learned important skills and had a good experience. The employer was very welcoming again and looked forward to hiring ben. They seen his potential and were keen on helping him to succeed in his role. The employer was, mindful of Bens learning style as well. Ben was tied to a mentor he already knew, assisting him in learning the new job. He started by working on recipes and getting confident in his abilities before, moving on to the next task given. Ben has been successfully employed in his role for five months at the grocery store doing something he enjoys. He is working in his community with people who are welcoming and inclusive. He continues to do a great job, growing his skill set, gaining confidence, and taking pride in his work. This is a true success story. This winter Kerri dropped into the center asking for assistance in looking for work. Kerri had spent the last two years providing full time palliative care to a close family member. With the family member passing Kerri found that she was unable to go back to her previous employer.
After hearing her story, the Information Resource Specialist booked her with a case manager (CM). Her CM recommended a referral to our Employment Support Practitioner (ESP) for workshops, interview preparation and skills. During one of her appointments, it was identified that there were more pressing and personal needs for Kerri. Employment Solutions Society (ESS) was able to support Kerri through reaching out to community supports to help with other expenses and connected her directly with them. This enabled her to attend her appointments and seek the support she needed. Kerri was referred for Job Development (JD), reaching out to the local grocery store manager. Kerri seemed like she would be a good fit for the position. Kerri was hired and received regular check-ins by the JD to support and encourage her, while Kerri readjusted to being the workforce. At the last follow up call, 3 months after Kerri was hired, she reported that she is doing great and feeling positive working for a supportive business with great staff. Kerri’s story is a success story for her and for Employment Solutions Society. She overcame many barriers to return to work. It is a great example of the ESS team pulling all our talents and resources together, working collaboratively, for the benefit of the client. |
