Burlington, ON: All Centre locations will be closed on Monday, May 21, 2012, to recognize VictoriaDay. Regular hours will resume on May 22.

For information about Centre programs and services, please explore www.thecentre.on.ca.

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a not-for-profit incorporated affiliate of the Halton District School Board with seven locations in Halton and Mississauga. The Centre helps people at all stages of life get on a path to career success—from youth just starting out, to older workers who have been laid off; from newcomers to Canada who need to improve their workplace English, to people interested in the trades who need to build their technical skills; and from small business owners looking to hire staff, to large companies who need help developing and transitioning their workforce. Learn more at www.thecentre.on.ca.

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Contact:
Maria McDonald, Manager, Communications
The Centre for Skills Development & Training
860 Harrington Court, Burlington, ON  L7N 3N4
Tel: 905-333-3499 x135  |  Fax: 905-634-2775
mcdonaldm@thecentre.on.ca  |  www.thecentre.on.ca
Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.

Job Number: #201
Job Title: Project Assistant – Labour Market Access Training
Program Name:  Languages and Newcomer Services
Location: Primary location Milton – may involve coverage at other sites
Start date: June 4, 2012
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Pay rate: $19.79 per hour (vacation pay included in rate of pay)
Reports To: Coordinator Settlement Services

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide information on the phone and in person to Centre clients regarding Labour Market Access training: Job Search Workshops (JSW) and ELT Your Way (ELTYW) as well as Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and childminding
• Provide administrative support for the JSW and ELTYW programs, including intake procedures, timesheets, attendance, preparation and distribution of print materials
• Maintain database, records and files related to Labour Market Access  training (JSW and ELTYW)
• Facilitate client follow up, compile statistics and prepare reports for each program as required
• Manage all materials, curriculum/courseware
• Attend meetings and file reports related to each program as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Experience working with adults from culturally diverse backgrounds
• Proficient with MS Office applications: Word, Excel, Access and Outlook
• Knowledge of standard office equipment
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Must have valid drivers license and reliable vehicle available to use during the day as required

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 11, 2012

Please email or fax your resume and cover document to:

Human Resources The Centre for Skills Development & Training email: resumes@thecentre.on.ca Fax: 905-634-2775

*IMPORTANT:  In order to be considered, all applications must include the job title & job number in the subject line (e-mail) or on the cover sheet (fax).

We thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  In the spirit of the Human Rights Code, we ask that resumes not include personal data such as age, health, marital and family status.

Student: Conner Levins 

Age: 21

City: Oakville

Program: Get in Gear and Industrial Millwright Mechanic / Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Youth

Tool he can’t live without: “My vernier callipers. Although not as accurate as my micrometer, they are fast and reliable to help me achieve the best tolerance I am capable of doing.”

Why did you choose The Centre?
I initially heard about the Get in Gear program (GIG) through an occupational therapist. She was familiar with The Centre and recommended its services. It sounded amazing because at the time I wanted to become a Residential Electrician. I was accepted into GIG and learned more than I initially anticipated. Not only did I learn the fundamentals of wiring a house, I learned the basics of carpentry and machining, as well as skills that will help me acquire and maintain a job.

Because of my involvement in GIG, I heard about a Millwright/Industrial Electrician course at The Centre. I was already familiar with The Centre and was pleased with their staff and services. I applied and was thankfully accepted.

What’s your dream job?
The skilled trades have interested me for a long time. I have always liked working with my hands and creating/building things; it gives me a sense of pride to complete a task or project. Although I am now pursuing a career in manufacturing, when I was 17 I was sure I was going to be a Residential Electrician. After this program I will most likely look for an apprenticeship in a manufacturing trade. However, it is hard to say because I just started the electrical portion and am uncertain which one shall interest me more. I am one day hoping to have a journeyman’s ticket in both trades with a reliable job and a comfortable salary.

What is the coolest thing you’ve learned here?
During the GIG program we built a house-like structure in the construction shop. It applied many different aspects of the construction trade: framing walls, electrical, drywall, etc.

The coolest thing I made was a meat tenderizer out of aluminum. The head was made on a milling machine where I squared it to the right dimensions and tilted the head to a 45 degree angle to make the teeth. I then drilled and counter-bored a hole so the handle would fit. I made the handle on the lathe where I made it to the correct size, knurled a portion for grip and tapped a hole so that it could be fixed to the head.

In the Millwright portion of the program, I learned the basics of machines and how to use them, from lathes and milling machines to drill bits and grinders. The most interesting thing I learned about was grinding—I had no idea of the complexity of different wheels and such that had to be taken into effect for different purposes.

The coolest thing about the program was talking to the instructors. It was amazing to listen to people who have worked in a career that I may pursue. Learning from their experience and knowledge has helped me narrow down which career path I want to take as well as learn from mistakes.

What are your plans after you graduate?
GIG showed me a variety of different career opportunities, which made me rethink what I wanted my career to be. Upon leaving the GIG program, my goal had changed from Residential Electrical to working in a machine shop. I am currently enrolled in a Millwright/Industrial Electrical course at The Centre. Without GIG this would not have been possible and I would not be on the career path that best suits me. Thanks to The Centre I have been able to start a career that I take an interest in, which in turn will give me a future that I had only dreamed of.

What would you tell your younger self about achieving your dream?
If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be: Just because the world looks this way now doesn’t mean it will always be that way. Nothing is set in stone, minds wander and ideas change. It won’t always be fun but without any bad there can be no good. One time saving tip I can offer is don’t procrastinate, just do it and have fun.

Job Number: #199
Job Title: Lead Childminder – (LINC/ESL)
Program Name:  Languages and Newcomer Services
Location: Millcroft Plaza, Burlington
Start date: May 7, 2012
Schedule:17.5 hours per week – 8:45 am – 12:15 pm
Pay rate: $18.82 per hour (vacation pay included in rate of pay)
Reports To: Manager, Languages and Newcomer Services

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Since 1988, The Centre for Skills Development & Training has been a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services.  Under the umbrella of the Languages and Newcomer Services Department, the Assistant Childminder will provide professional, childminding services to the children of students in the LINC/ESL programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that all health and safety standards are met
• Guide physical, social, cognitive and emotional development of children in the program
• Implement and supervise age appropriate activities in the program
• Plan and provide healthy snacks on a daily basis
• Maintain effective programming as outlined in CMAS guidelines
• Maintain attendance and other record keeping as required
• Maintain supplies and equipment at the site
• Provide a quarterly report, in writing to the LNS Manager
• Supervise the site’s childminding staff
• Respond appropriately to all  safety matters
• Participate in professional development, as required
• Attend staff meetings, as required
• Inform parents of childminding expectations
• Communicate with parents as required regarding child’s progress, any concerns, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Early Childhood Education Diploma
• Experience in a licensed childcare setting
• Experience with new immigrant children preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and  organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other childminding staff
• Working knowledge of MS Outlook and Word
• Up to date CPR and First Aid qualifications
• Up to date immunization, TB test and Vulnerable Sector Security Check

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 4, 2012

Please email or fax your resume and cover document to:

Human Resources The Centre for Skills Development & Training email: resumes@thecentre.on.ca Fax: 905-634-2775

*IMPORTANT:  In order to be considered, all applications must include the job title & job number in the subject line (e-mail) or on the cover sheet (fax).

We thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  In the spirit of the Human Rights Code, we ask that resumes not include personal data such as age, health, marital and family status.

Job Number: #200
Job Title: Assistant Childminder – (LINC/ESL)
Program Name:  Languages and Newcomer Services
Location: Millcroft Plaza, Burlington
Start date: May 7, 2012
Schedule:17.5 hours per week – 8:45 am – 12:15 pm
Pay rate: $17.75 per hour (vacation pay included in rate of pay)
Reports To: Manager, Languages and Newcomer Services

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Since 1988, The Centre for Skills Development & Training has been a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services.  Under the umbrella of the Languages and Newcomer Services Department, the Assistant Childminder will provide professional, childminding services to the children of students in the LINC/ESL programs.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• With Lead Childminder:
• Assist in the implementation of the program
• Assist with supervision of children
• Ensure the room is set-up appropriately and that preparations are complete before the children arrive
• Demonstrate a good understanding of children’s  growth and development and a willingness to learn
• Check the children for injuries and illness as they arrive
• Monitor the children’s behaviour with each other and intervene as needed
• Respond sensitively to the cultural heritage, values and individual experiences of the children
• Assume an equal share of housekeeping  responsibilities
• Inspect and maintain toys and equipment to ensure children’s safety
• Attend staff meetings, as required
• Participate in professional development, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Early Childhood Education Diploma
• Experience in a licensed childcare setting
• Experience with new immigrant children preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other childminding staff
• Working knowledge of MS Outlook and Word
• Up to date CPR and First Aid qualifications
•  Up to date immunization, TB test and Vulnerable Sector Security Check

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 4, 2012

Please email or fax your resume and cover document to:

Human Resources
The Centre for Skills Development & Training
email: resumes@thecentre.on.ca
Fax: 905-634-2775

*IMPORTANT:  In order to be considered, all applications must include the job title & job number in the subject line (e-mail) or on the cover sheet (fax).

We thank all applicants. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  In the spirit of the Human Rights Code, we ask that resumes not include personal data such as age, health, marital and family status.

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is hosting a job fair for U.S. Steel at our Burlington location. Join us to learn more about career opportunities at U.S. Steel and how the application process works.

Tuesday, April 17, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
The Centre for Skills Training & Development
Brookville Room, Bay Area Learning Centre
860 Harrington Court, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N4

U.S. Steel Canada Inc., a subsidiary of United States Steel, is hiring for the following positions:

• Industrial Electricians
• Shift Manager Electrical Maintenance
• 4th Class Operating Engineers
• Shift Manager, 3rd Class Operating Engineers
• Industrial Mechanics
• Instrumentation Technicians
• High Voltage Electricians
• Electronic Process Technicians
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Shift Manager Mechanical Maintenance
• Production (future opportunities)
• 1st Class Stationary Engineer – Process Coordinator
• Oracle Developer

You can also view other opportunities at their website: www.ussteel.com.

For more job search assistance, drop by one of our Employment Services sites to see how we can help you find your right job.

About The Centre:
The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a not-for-profit incorporated affiliate of the Halton District School Board with seven locations in Halton and Mississauga. The Centre helps people at all stages of life get on a path to career success—from youth just starting out, to older workers who have been laid off; from newcomers to Canada who need to improve their workplace English, to people interested in the trades who need to build their technical skills; and from small business owners looking to hire staff, to large companies who need help developing and transitioning their workforce. Learn more at www.thecentre.on.ca.

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Contact:
Laura Dutton, Coordinator, Business Development
905-333-3499, ext. 207  |  duttonl@thecentre.on.ca

The Centre for Skills Development & Training
860 Harrington Court, Burlington, ON  L7N 3N4
www.thecentre.on.ca
Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.

The Centre’s Oakville site just wrapped up two days of a job fair for Fionn MacCool’s pub and restaurant. People who we spoke to said it was a success, and we’re looking forward to one more day of the job fair on April 11.

Job fairs are a convenient and intense way to connect with companies who are actively recruiting in your area. Whether it’s called a job fair, career fair, employment expo or something else, here are some simple guidelines to help you make the most of your attendance. 

• DO NOT show up dressed as if you’re going to the beach or a picnic in the park.
• DO dress for success. Dress as if you are attending an interview. Wear business clothes to show the employers that you are a serious job searcher. Read more tips about dressing for success.
• DO NOT show up unprepared.
• DO research the employers who will be at the event—you can usually find a list of employers and exhibitors on the job fair website or by contacting the organizer—or at least be aware of the type of employers that will be attending. And make sure your resume is targeted to those employers. If it’s a summer staffing event for landscapers, don’t show up with a resume tailored to investment banking.
•  DO NOT show up with one crumpled copy of an outdated resume—you know, the one that you spilled coffee on and has been in your car since last summer….
• DO come prepared with several copies of your resume with your current contact information clearly marked, preferably in a crisp, clean envelope—or even better, in a briefcase or portfolio.
•  DO NOT attend a job fair to collect the free pens and marketing gimmicks from the various employer booths. A free yo-yo will not get you a job!
• DO plan to introduce yourself to employer representatives and market your skills. Bring your own pen and paper to take notes, and politely ask for the representatives’ business cards to follow up.
•  DO NOT introduce yourself to company representatives without planning ahead. Being personable and sociable is a good thing, but talking about the weather won’t get you the job when you are in competition with the hundreds of other candidates who are attending the fair.
• DO impress employers and stand out from the crowd. Dazzle them with your knowledge of their company, industry or field, or simply by your ability to market your skills and their relevance to their available positions, company or industry.

Follow these tips and the job fair you’re attending may be your ticket to a great career.

Need more job-searching help? Drop by one of our Employment Services sites in Halton and Mississauga. Visit our website for information about locations and how we can help you find the right job.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Burlington, ON:  Yesterday, approximately 60 Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) students got a taste of the training they will need to be successful in their future careers. HCDSB Certification Day, presented by The Centre for Skills Development & Training and the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC), featured fun and interactive workshops designed specifically for grade 11/12 students involved in the Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs in schools across Halton.

“This is our second year partnering with HCDSB and HIEC to give students a skills advantage, whether they’re going on to future education or into the workforce,” said Kathy Mills, Chief Administrative Officer for The Centre. “Certification Day is a great example of how The Centre continues the work of local schools in preparing students for lifelong learning and success.”

SHSM is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Education to allow students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. Each major is a bundle of eight to ten courses in the student’s selected field. Students who attended Certification Day at The Centre were focused in Arts & Culture, Business, Computer Technology, Health & Wellness, Hospitality & Tourism, Landscaping and Transportation.

As part of their SHSM programs, the students are required to complete key training modules. The students participated in training sessions that were appropriate to their SHSM focus. The sessions offered included Customer Service, Ergonomics, Personality Dimensions, Fall Protection, Communication & Conflict Resolution Skills, and Electrical Safety.

According to Jason B. from Assumption Secondary School in Burlington, “[Certification Day] was fun! My favourite session was communication and conflict resolution.” He said that the fall protection session—which had the students fitted into a harness to learn fall arrest techniques—“was scary but fun.”

Many students who attended Certification Day have a clear career path in mind. Katie K. of St. Ignatius of Loyola Secondary School in Oakville is in the Sports & Leadership/Health & Wellness stream. “Ergonomics was a class that fits well with helping me get my Safe Body Mechanics Certification.”

Sessions like Ergonomics gave students information about staying safe at work and better understanding of their rights. “When I lift, it’s important to use my legs instead of my back,” said Brandon M. from Bishop Reding Secondary School in Milton. Brandon also learned that he has the right to refuse to do unsafe work.

“Our Board is pleased to work with The Centre and HIEC in offering this hands-on learning opportunity for our students enrolled in the SHSM programs,” said Michael W. Pautler, Director of Education, HCDSB. “This type of training assists our students in developing specialized, industry-standard skills that are valued by the various sectors, and better prepares them for their post-secondary destination, whether it be the workplace, college, apprenticeship or university.”

“The Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) has been a long-time supporter of the kinds of industry-education partnerships that are at the heart of today’s Certification Day,” said Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of HIEC. “This event serves as a great example of the importance of community partnerships and experiential learning in our community. HIEC is delighted to be able to support this initiative alongside our partners at The Centre. HIEC would also like to congratulate all of the students who completed their certifications today!”

About The Centre:
The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a not-for-profit incorporated affiliate of the Halton District School Board with seven locations in Halton and Mississauga. The Centre helps people at all stages of life get on a path to career success—from youth just starting out, to older workers who have been laid off; from newcomers to Canada who need to improve their workplace English, to people interested in the trades who need to build their technical skills; and from small business owners looking to hire staff, to large companies who need help developing and transitioning their workforce. Learn more at www.thecentre.on.ca.

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More photos from the event are available on request.

Contact:
Lorna Hart, Manager, Corporate Development & Special Projects
905-333-3499, ext. 147  |  hartl@thecentre.on.ca

Alternate Contact:
Maria McDonald, Manager, Communications
905-333-3499 ext. 135  |  mcdonaldm@thecentre.on.ca

The Centre for Skills Development & Training
860 Harrington Court, Burlington, ON  L7N 3N4
www.thecentre.on.ca
Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.

For Immediate Release

Burlington, ON: The Job Search Workshops (JSW) program for newcomers to Canada is accepting registrations for a new session beginning April 2, 2012. The JSW program offers short-term, pre-employment workshops designed specifically to help newcomers develop the skills they need to find work quickly.

The JSW program covers the following topics:

• Writing resumes and cover letters
• Researching local employers and the labour market
• Practicing interviews
• And more

To learn more, visit ”I want a job“ or call Suyon Park, Program Assistant, at 905-336-5444 ext. 101 or email parks@thecentre.on.ca.

About The Centre: The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a not-for-profit incorporated affiliate of the Halton District School Board with seven locations in Halton and Mississauga. The Centre helps people at all stages of life get on a path to career success—from youth just starting out, to older workers who have been laid off; from newcomers to Canada who need to improve their workplace English, to people interested in the trades who need to build their technical skills; and from small business owners looking to hire staff, to large companies who need help developing and transitioning their workforce. Learn more at www.thecentre.on.ca.

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Contact: 

The Centre for Skills Development & Training
Melissa Pederson, Coordinator, Settlement Services
860 Harrington Court, Burlington, ON  L7N 3N4
905-333-3499, ext. 258  |  pedersenm@thecentre.on.ca
www.thecentre.on.ca
Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is proud to be hosting a job fair for Fionn MacCool’s new Prime Pub, coming soon to Oakville.

If you are energetic, personable and driven, and considering a career in the restaurant business, they want to meet you. No registration is required.

The job fair will take place at The Centre’s Oakville site, 465 Morden Rd., Suite 109 (north of Speers Rd.), on Friday, March 30 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 31 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, April 11 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm. There are plenty of exciting opportunities in store.

Print and share the job fair flyer.

Learn more here: http://www.facebook.com/oakville.fionnmaccools

Map to Fionn MacCool’s new location:
350 Dundas Street East, Oakville, ON
http://www.facebook.com/oakville.fionnmaccools/page_map

Map to the Job Fair at The Centre: http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=465+morden+road+oakville&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=465+Morden+Rd,+Oakville,+Ontario+L6K+3R9&z=16

About The Centre: The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a not-for-profit incorporated affiliate of the Halton District School Board with seven locations in Halton and Mississauga. The Centre helps people at all stages of life get on a path to career success—from youth just starting out, to older workers who have been laid off; from newcomers to Canada who need to improve their workplace English, to people interested in the trades who need to build their technical skills; and from small business owners looking to hire staff, to large companies who need help developing and transitioning their workforce. Learn more at www.thecentre.on.ca.

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Contact: 

The Centre for Skills Development & Training
Gillian Kearns, Senior Coordinator, Employment Services
860 Harrington Court, Burlington, ON  L7N 3N4
905-333-3499, ext. 111  |  kearnsg@thecentre.on.ca
www.thecentre.on.ca
Follow us on Twitter. Like us on Facebook.