HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS at St. Patrick and Sir John Franklin high schools have an opportunity to get an educational head start on their career again this winter. Now in its fourth year, the YKACL EmployABILITY School to Work student employment readiness program offers youth on-the-job training and workshops to help them transition from high school into the work force. How does it work? With help from school staff, we identify students who would benefit from a work placement opportunity. We begin with six weeks of classroom learning, during which students learn about professionalism, how to interact with an employer, interview etiquette and budgeting. After that they participate in six weeks of job experience based on their own interests. This work experience helps students discover what employment is like and gives them insight into what jobs they may wish to pursue after graduation. Work experience takes place at a variety of businesses. Several employers have been so pleased with the students who have worked for them that the work placement becomes a full-time position. EmployABILITY is a YKACL cross-disability service. People seeking the support of EmployABILITY can access a variety of employment assessments and then work with Program Employment Support Workers to develop an employment and/or training plan. Assistance and training is provided in the job seeking process and job coaching. Continued support is offered once employment is found. Information about other agencies offering different types of support to people with disabilities is readily available in our EmployABILITY office. EmployABILITY works with the Yellowknife business community to create training and job opportunities and to promote disability awareness encouraging diversity in the workforce. The program continues its assistance to employers once employment is established. Our staff is knowledgeable about funding opportunities for employers interested in a diverse workforce. For more information, contact Jan Barbier EmployABILITY and Employment Services manager (867) 920-2644
