Clients who visit Loyalist College’s Community Employment Services (CES) in Belleville and Bancroft do so for many reasons. Some may be looking for employment, and others for resources and information on careers and training, literacy and academic upgrading – or registering for education, training or income support. If their career objective requires academic preparation, CES offers information on many community and Employment Ontario programs such as Second Career, Apprenticeship, Literacy and Basic Skills. Employers return time and again to draw on the CES labour market service and entrepreneurs look for direction as to where they can find assistance to prepare for their business ventures. And – high school students stop by looking for part-time work or full-time summer jobs – they need help preparing résumés, cover letters and rehearsing interview skills.
Career changes or advancements often make it necessary for individuals to upgrade or acquire new skills. Tom Hamlyn, now an Office Administration student at Loyalist College, found CES to be a valuable resource. “I worked for several years as an accounts payable clerk. When the company closed I found myself out of work. I discussed my options with CES and decided to return to school. They helped me complete funding applications and now I’m learning new skills and am eager to apply them in the workforce when I graduate. “
Christine Burelle is the Executive Director of Bridging the Gap for Kids and has called on CES many times when hiring. “It’s a great service and so efficient. I pick up the phone, describe the type of employee I’m looking for and CES quickly finds me the right candidates. They’re friendly and approachable – and as a non-profit agency we value the wage subsidy they provide.”
“I wanted to open a business,” explained Dan Risk, owner and operator of Northern Fire, a property maintenance company in Bancroft. “The job I knew – the paperwork I didn’t. CES was amazing. They arranged for me to take business-training courses. I was then able to develop my business plan. I also took classes in marketing, finance and bookkeeping. This enabled me to tap into resources I never would have found on my own.”
CES helped Jessica Coulthard find her first job when she was in high school. Now attending university she called on them last spring to help her find a summer job. “I was able to find a great job at L.L. Financial Planners in Belleville while I was still in Ottawa – online, within two weeks. They showed me how to craft my initial unique and professional résumé and continue to help me modify it to reflect my growth in experience and skills.”
“The one-on-one service that we offer for job seekers and employers enables CES to present options that address the specific needs of each client,” said Warren Gee, Loyalist College Employment Ontario Programs Manager. “CES is a valuable resource and we encourage the community to explore what we have to offer and to use our services to their full advantage.”
Stop by CES at 54 Dundas St. E. in Belleville and 195 Hastings St. N. in Bancroft – or visit communityemploymentservices.ca.