A new program run by the Nanaimo Youth Services Association Comox Valley is designed to help young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged, attain a full-time job.
DiverseFutures is a paid employment skills and job placement program for youth and young adults in the 15-30-year age bracket seeking full-time employment. It operates out of the LINC Youth Centre in Courtenay.
The program offers four weeks of paid skills training, which includes Serving it Right, Super Host, Food Safe, barista certification, first aid certificates and driver’s licence fees, which are valued at more than $1,500.
Participants are paid minimum wage during training, then placed in paid, full-time positions in a variety of fields for the remaining 15 weeks.
The program includes free career interest and aptitude testing, interview and resume skills workshops, and one-on-one professional job coaching.
“They have to be committed. There’s a trial and error process,” said Isabelle Parry, DiverseFutures program manager. “They would never have to hopefully be unemployed again.
“It’s wonderful for people who don’t really know what they want to do, because we do some career testing. Just so people get a better sense of what their gifts and interests are. A lot of people don’t know that when they’re young.”
The program begins Aug. 17.
FMI: call Parry at (250) 334-8138 ext 229.