Women Reworked, Part 3

by Heather Resnick

JobsEtc.ca

(www.jobsetc.ca)
This government site has information on Jobs, Workers, Training/Learning and Career Exploration. Use this link to click on your province to find out where the nearest service centre is. Amongst many services provided, you can get training to help upgrade your skills and make you aware of new technologies.

Industry Canada – “Strategies for Job Seekers”

This federal department’s mission is to work with Canadians to build a growing, competitive, knowledge-based economy (strategis.ic.gc.ca/sc_x/engdoc/job_seekers.html).
(for French substitute ‘frndoc’ for ‘engdoc’)

Provincial/Territorial Government

The “blue pages” of your local phone directory lists telephone numbers and, if applicable, websites for government services. Federal, provincial/territorial and municipal services appear all together under keyword headings, i.e. “Business”, “Employment.”

• Apprenticeship, Employment and Training Programs, Literacy and Basic Skills and Job Connect is listed in the provincial section under the “Employment” heading. Their website is www.edu.gov.on.ca and the toll-free number is: 1-888-562-4769.
  
  
• Links to the official government websites of Canada's provinces and territories:
  canada.gc.ca/othergov/prov_e.html or
  www.nfld.net/eshn/government_sites.html
  
  
• Many department websites are searchable. If you cannot find a topic, just type in keywords in the search box. For example, if you want to find the closest employment centre, you might enter “employment resource centres” to result in a listing of all such centres.
  • An employment resource centre gives you the tools to conduct a job search. It is self-directed—you are given the resources: staff access, workshops, Internet access, phone, fax, computer services and a resource library so you can search for work at your own pace.

Regional/Municipal Government

Check under Employment Assistance Programs in the “blue pages” of your white phone directory or the Yellow Pages.

• Links to the official websites of Canada's municipalities:
  www.munisource.org
  
  
• Phone or visit your local Municipal Centre to find out what employment programs are available and if they provide a free community services directory.
  
  
• Check want ads in local newspapers for employment programs.
  
  
• Check community bulletin boards for upcoming employment workshops.

Know thyself

Employment assistance programs vary regionally and locally. Before contacting an agency, it’s a good idea to try to identify the kind of services you require. The more specific your request, the easier it will be for government representatives to properly direct your inquiry.

Scenario #1: Sheila A. calls her local Human Resource Centre and says,

   “Hi, I am looking for a job. Please tell me what to do?”

This is too vague a request. Sheila hasn't done her homework and is expecting the receptionist to instantly direct her call to the "right" department. The person answering the phone would have to ask many questions in order to ascertain what Sheila's specific needs are in order to properly direct the call.

• Are you a Canadian Citizen?
• Do you collect any benefits? (EI recipients have different programs available to them.)
• Do you know what you want to do? Etc.

Government representatives are busy and he or she may refer you to the wrong department. The process can easily become overly time-consuming, discouraging and confusing.

Clarity makes for effective communicating

Scenario #2: Brenda T. calls her local Human Resource Centre and says,

   “Hi, I am a Canadian Citizen and have been out of the workplace for five years. I do not receive any benefits. I would like employment, but I have no clue what I want to do. I would like to know if there are any assessment programs that could help me, please?”

Brenda has a better chance of being immediately directed to a suitable program.

Getting Services in Unserviced Areas

Some government departments have outreach programs meaning they will come to areas that are not serviced regularly. Check with your local government or Human Resource Centre to see if they offer the service(s) you require. If not, it is possible to apply for an “application for funding to carry out activities that meet a community need identified by HRSDC.” These are “Calls for Proposals for Grants and Contributions.” www.sdc.gc.ca/en/epb/lmd/sc/call_for_proposal.shtml

Go Temp

If you know what career you want and already have the necessary skill set, placement agencies and/or headhunting services may be a good first step. They can help you get your foot in the door and “test drive” the kind of job you are seeking to see if you enjoy it. The positions are temporary, permanent or contract. If you have other commitments, temporary positions may also afford you the opportunity to work flexible hours.

Another bonus of temporary or contract work is the opportunity to experience different companies and work environments, all of which may help you decide where you would like to work permanently.

For Various Agencies, www.jobsetc.ca/category_drilldown.jsp?category_id=435&lang=e.

Take advantage of these free programs. Before you know it, you will be gainfully employed.

Next issue — PART 4: Job Search - Taking Action
Kinds of accessible government programs and Temporary agencies: how they can help you find a career.

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