EPC offers new youth employment services
Employment services provider to launch additonal youth programming
A city-based employment services provider will launch additional youth programming during a special event scheduled for later next week.
EPC (Employment Planning and Counselling) Peterborough will host a Get To Know Our Youth Programs barbecue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 25 at its offices at 418 Sheridan St., which runs between Hunter and Brock streets.
The event is an opportunity to get to learn more about the notfor-profit, charitable organization and the programs it offers – and will soon offer - for those ages 15 to 29 while enjoying a free barbecue, employment services manager Nancy Thompson said Wednesday.
“We are trying to get more youth engaged with what we do here,” she said, noting how high unemployment rates are among youth. “We’re here to help.”
It used to be that students could graduate and find work readily. Not the case now, including for those with a post-secondary education.
“Now, it’s a little more challenging,” Thompson said, noting how youth often just lack the support needed to help them find a job.
The organization helps allages with all-things job related, from assisting with resumes, job searches, honing interview skills and hosting workshops, such as one recently held to discuss the do’s and don’t’s when it comes to posting on social media.
“Basically anything employment or career-counsellingrelated, we do here,” she said. “Our goal is to help people meet their employment goals ... when that happens, it’s a very happy day for us.”
EPC will be offering new programs thanks to new new funding, Thompson said, details of which will be revealed next week. The province recently invested more than $160 million over two years to help more than 27,000 youth upgrade their skills and training.
Starting in October, the first phase of Youth Job Connection will aid youth with pre-employment training, job opportunities and mentorship. It will focus on youth who face complex and multiple barriers to employment including poverty, homelessness, disability and mental health.
The second part of the program will provide summer, parttime and after-school job opportunities to high school students between ages 15 and 18 who are facing challenging life circumstances and who may need support transitioning between school and work. After-school opportunities will be available this October, with summer opportunities available in spring 2016.
NOTE: For more information on the barbecue, call 705-7489110 or visit www.epcjobs.ca.