The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Region launches one-stop centre for employers and unemployedBy David LeaDuring the event those present also heardOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFfrom some people who have already beenhelped by the network.The Employment Ontario Network ofAmong these testimonials was one fromHalton was officially launched last week withJoey Porter who took part in the Employmentpromises of better service for the unemployedServices pre-apprenticeship programand employers.through the YMCA ofWith such partners as the YMCA ofHamilton/Burlington/Brantford.Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford, GoodwillI dont know if any of you have ever beenCareer Centre, vpi Inc., the Centre for Skillsfired or laid off. I hadnt had that experienceDevelopment and Training, Halton Regionuntil a year and a half ago and it was so shock-and Sheridan Institute of Technology anding because I thought this would be where IAdvanced Learning the employment net-would retire, said Porter. I was horrified, Iwork offers a one-stop source of informationnever felt so alone in my life and I started try-and services for employment seekers, employ-ing to think about what I wanted to do.ers and the community.Porter said he decided to follow his dreamThe Halton community will greatly bene-of becoming a mechanic, but soon found thatMICHELLE SIU / OAKVILLE BEAVER fit from the new employment services model,courses on how to become a mechanicwhich ensures an accessible, customerrequired a lot of money, which he did notPARTNERS: Employment Ontario Network of Halton representatives Dianne Seed,Sheldon Wolfson,focused and integrated experience for individ-have as an unemployed person.Dal Swackhammer,Patricia Aube,Christine VandeGraaf,Kathy Bagdley,Susan Carpenter,Dan Kay,Nancyuals and employers in Halton, said SheldonEventually Porter stumbled onto an onlineMoore,Carol Beaton and Rob Cairney represent the partners for the Employment Ontario Network of Halton.Wolfson, commissioner of Social andadd for a mechanic course through the YMCACommunity Services, Halton Region, at lastshowing people how to develop an effectiveVandeGraaf said the network is a signifi-of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford.weeks launch at the Halton Region building.resume and cover letter to helping them gaincant improvement over the old system wherePorter signed up for the course, excelled atThis is an exciting time for employmentaccess to on-the-job training experiences withclients often had to travel to three or four dif-it and, after receiving assistance with suchservices in Halton. In recent years we have allthings as resume building, succeeded in get-local employers.ferent centres in order to access all the serv-been part of discussions to improve integra-The network helps employers by givingting a job.ices they needed.tion of our services and the EmploymentI am now doing something I love, saidthem access to individuals seeking employ-This is a big deal, said Dan Kay, regionalOntario Network of Halton is a great examplement and by giving them a better under-manager of programs, Employment Ontario.Porter. I get up in the morning and I enjoywhat we can achieve when we work together.standing of programs and services that mayThis is a big deal during difficult econom-going to work. Im happy and I owe it toChristine VandeGraaf, program managerhelp them when hiring new staff or when pro-ic times and its really important during hardBurlington YMCA. for YMCA Employment Services, said all part-viding training to new employees.For more information about Employmenttimes that Ontario be on the leading edge.ners in the network are equipped to deliver aAll services provided by the network to jobYou are all contributing very positively toOntario, visit www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/employ-full range of employment services, fromseekers and employers are free.mentontario.that.Earn compulsory credits. Develop career skills. Get outside. Build a community. Make a difference.Employment HaltonCelebrating30 Years!monthsylp5pA!yadoTcredits4new Looking for new employees?We can help...20friendsEmployment Halton can help you and your organization with your hiring needs. Our services are free and available to all Halton employers.awesome experience1s !CCESS TO &2%% ONLINE JOB Visit our new employment service POSTING BOARDsite and resource centres 3CREENING AND MATCHING SERVICES TO SELECT THE BEST OpeningJanuary 24, 2011OPEN HOUSE"RONTE VILLAGE -ALL, ,AKESHORE 2OAD WEST, 5NIT ,HaltonsWed. Feb. 9th, 2011s 2EFERENCE CHECKING AND Community/AKVILLE OR CALL US AT EXT. Environmental6:30pmLeadership&OR MORE INFORMATION CALL %MPLOYMENT (ALTON AT s TRAINING INCENTIVES PROGRAMS Sidrabene SiteProgramHalton RegionTO OFF SET HOURLY wAGES AND 5100 Appleby Line$IAL OR EXT. TRAINING COSTSTOLL FREE (!,T/. TTY VISIT WWw HALTON CA EMPLOYMENTHALTON s !CCESS TO JOB FAIRSTrailheadProgram.org for Grade 10OR WWw (ALTON*OBs CABronteCreekProject.org for Grade 11/12www.oakvillebeaver.com OAKVILLE BEAVERThursday, January 27, 2011 12