Looking for work is not always easy, and one not-for-profit society is looking to help those trying to get to work.
Kootenay Employment Services (KES) is based out of Creston, Cranbrook, Invermere, Kimberly, Fernie, and everywhere in between and provides many employment services that cover all kinds of skills and services for the region.
Amber McGregor, a lead facilitator at KES, says it’s a great way to find work in Creston.
“I want people to understand why they should come in or connect with us, particularly here in the Creston Valley. (KES) has been around for over 30 years and we’re a big part of the community and economic development.”
“One of the things we’ve noticed is that when people are looking for employment, it’s not their ability to find a job that is their biggest challenge. It’s a lack of skills or a lack of ability to transition from one skill set to another.”
She says KES helps many from all over, not just in the Creston Valley, with programs and assistance.
“We do labor market awareness and help people connect, which is a huge part of employment. The other thing we do is offer programming that is typically focused on being involved for four weeks.”
Those programs allow for those in attendance to beef up their applications moving forward.
“Everything from finishing your resume, getting your cover letter written to contacting employers and getting support.”
But how do you get the skills needed for the job market? That’s where McGregor comes in.
“I do group programming for KES. And how you can engage in that is to come and find out what your needs are and see if programming is the way to go!.”
And there are several programs are coming up.
A free computer course, including an assessment and workshop, is on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but you have to pre-register.
The workshop is for anyone who wants to learn. It can help people with little to no computer experience to those wanting to learn data management.
Additionally, there is a program for those under the age of 30, over the age of 55, those who have struggled with abuse or violence, and those facing homelessness.
McGregor says even if you don’t fall under those categories, there still could be something for you.
She adds the most important lesson to be learned from all of these programs and more is to remove the stigma attached to being out of work.
“The interesting thing about looking for employment is it tends to be a situation where people feel that if they can’t find something, it means something about themselves,” says McGregor.
“The truth is, not finding employment is something that every single person on the planet comes against at some point. And sometimes it’s not just about finding employment, but about finding employment that fits your lifestyle and current situation.”
And that’s where KES can be a valuable resource.
McGregor says the best way to find out if and how KES can assist you is to contact her 250-428-5655 with extension 426, or by email at [email protected].
