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By Shaun Penner

Wired 2 Hire Youth Program now accepting applications

Feb 4, 2019 | 11:18 AM

A program that offers free job training courses in Grande Prairie is now accepting applications.

Wired 2 Hire, which is run and organized by the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau, is offering a six-week, part-time training opportunity for youth ages 16-30, who reside in the Grande Prairie and surrounding area. The program runs between February 7th and March 23rd.

The program offers free certification in five different job-related courses:

  • First Aid
  • Food Safety
  • Rent Smart
  • Customer Service
  • Class 7 Learners Driver’s License

On top of that, participants will be able to choose two elective certificate courses to take. Some examples include H2S Alive, WHMIS and ProServe.

Executive Director of the Volunteer Services Bureau, Carol-Anne Pasemko says there are only two requirements when it comes to the program: Participants must attend all courses and complete a 25-hour volunteer practicum with a local non-profit organization.

“The idea is to enhance community participation, and belonging to the community,” says Pasemko. “As I explain (to youth interested), that’s like two nights of gaming. It’s not hard.”

The program, which has been in operation since 2014, was developed as a way to incentivize youth into becoming more active in the community, but also to help give them a leg up when building their resume.

“We had agencies that were reluctant to take youth, simply because they didn’t understand them,” explains Pasemko. “So, we came up with the concept of giving youth the soft skills to be able to put on a resume to make them more appealing, to give them that little up with a prospective employer.”

The program and volunteer practicum are scheduled to fit around most people’s school and work schedules, so many of the courses are offered on nights and weekends.

Pasemko explains that the program is available to anyone who fits the above parameters but does offer those who may be disadvantaged the chance to add vital skills to their resume.

“These courses are not overly expensive, but you are not working you don’t have the money to go and get training (in these areas),” states Pasemko. “We don’t put up any barriers, all you have to do is sign up and you are obligated to finish this. So, if they are committed, we put them in the program.”

Because of the pledge of commitment from participants, the program has been very successful since its inception with a graduation rate of 84 per cent. Pasemko gives a great deal of credit to the Bureau’s instructor, Valerie Thiessen, as well.

“She goes with each student up to the Licensing Centre and she high-fives them when they pass their test. She is amazing. There is a reason she won the Compassionate Heart Award for the city.”

For full details and registration forms, please visit the Wired 2 Hire website.

by Shaun Penner