Niagara College offers the Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT) courses to qualified Canadian newcomers who already have experience or training in Business, Health Sciences, Human Services or Technology.

OSLT courses are designed to allow newcomers to:

• Understand workplace culture in their occupation/sector
• Interact effectively with colleagues, clients and supervisors
• Give and receive information by email and telephone
• Interview and network effectively

Enhanced Language Training (ELT)

Niagara College offers the ELT (Enhanced Language Training) program to specifically support newcomers to Canada in their transition through post-secondary studies to the Canadian workplace.

The program features:

• Two class options: full time day studies or flexible part time evening options
• Speaking and writing courses that work toward a General Arts and Science certificate at Niagara College
• Canadian culture and workplace studies with access to academic support from English language instructors
• Career exploration and planning
• Individual job search support

For more information, please check out their website:

http://www.niagaracollege.ca/content/NewcomerstoCanada/NewcomerstoCanadaHome.aspx

In the past year, the Job Gym has made some significant changes to the way things are done!
In Fort Erie, we’ve seen changes range from interior renovations to our space to the process used for providing services; we have had a total makeover! Our Welland office has made some huge changes too! We’ve changed locations and are embracing our new space!

One thing that hasn’t changed is our goal to provide both employers and job seekers with excellent customer service! So whether you are looking for a job, looking to hire or looking to re-train, we’ve got services to meet your needs!

Come in and see our new buildings, meet or reconnect with our knowledgeable staff and take your first step toward reaching your goals!

Here are some comments we’ve received from recent clients and job-seekers:

“I’m very glad that they have this resume clinic because it’s very helpful.”

“I am glad I came to this because it made me more informed about my rights and the rules in the workplace. It will make me more aware of what I’m looking for.”

“Very positive approach helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Knowledge gives me strength to carry on.”

“Learned more about my interests, more confident! Thanks – what a great program!”

Come see us and find out what we can do to help you in your job search!

6 Job Search Lessons
from Steve Jobs

By Heather R. Huhman

On October 5, 2011, the world lost a visionary.

Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Apple Inc. lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. In the 35 years since the founding of Apple, Jobs contributed to many major advances in technology. The outpouring of sympathy and gratitude across the planet last Wednesday is solid proof that Jobs will be missed and remembered.

One of Jobs’ lasting legacies will be his memorable quotes and their versatility. As someone in the careers industry, I clearly see how job seekers can learn from and apply the leadership and wisdom of Steve Jobs:

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”

We all make mistakes. As Jobs so eloquently puts it, it’s up to us to keep calm and carry on. Maybe you accidentally forgot to attach your resume to the email you just sent or you forgot to set your alarm clock on the day of a big interview. It’s up to you to keep moving forward.

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

As a job seeker, it’s easy to look to the other guy and just do what he does. I constantly hear from job seekers that they don’t do things (i.e., send thank you notes) simply because no one else does. Don’t let other people be the standard. Make yourself the standard others can follow.

“I was worth over $1,000,000 when I was 23, and over $10,000,000 when I was 24, and over $100,000,000 when I was 25, and it wasn’t that important because I never did it for the money.”

In this economy, it’s hard to connect work and money. Not everyone is going to be as lucky as Steve Jobs, who found his passion early on. However, try not to settle for a career that just pays the bills. You might not be working your dream job right now. Be in constant pursuit of doing something that fulfills you beyond your paycheck. It’s out there – you just need to find it.

“Why join the Navy when you can be a pirate?”

Jobs was definitely a quirky man. He never followed the competition and he wasn’t known for doing things “by the book,” and for good reason. If he had, we
probably wouldn’t be listening to iTunes, checking our iPhones, or using any of the many other Apple products we love.

If you want to venture off the beaten path, try it out. There are so many opportunities out there for you right now.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

I frequently hear about people working in a certain field or taking on a major that doesn’t fit their personality or vision of who they want to become. They do this because their dad does it, or because it’s what their family expects them to do. If you feel genuine passion about something, then pursue that one thing with all the tenacity and enthusiasm you can! You might feel pressure to do something else, but your true support network will follow you wherever you choose to go.

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

While Jobs addresses entrepreneurs in this quote, it can really apply to just about anyone. In your job search, work hard and your efforts will pay off. It might take longer than you’d like, but you will find something perfect for you.

This full article can be found at: http://blog.resumebear.com/career-book-authors/6-job-search-lessons-learned-from-steve-jobs/

Are You Ready For A Summer Job? Take the QUIZ and find out!

Directions: Answer true or false to the following statements.

#1: I have all the key information I may need to apply for jobs (including SIN card, passport, photo ID, driver’s licence, and any other documentation required by my province for employment). True or False?

#2: I have prepared, edited, proofread, and printed copies of my resume. (Bonus points if you asked an adult to critique your resume.) True or False?

#3: I have reviewed at least one job application form so that I know what to expect when I go to apply for jobs. True or False?

#4: I have chosen a few nice outfits I can wear when I apply for jobs – and when I interview with the hiring manager. True or False?

#5: I know the kind of jobs I ideally want to obtain, and I have developed a plan to help me achieve my goal. True or False?

#6: I understand the importance of interviewing and have developed answers to some common interview questions. (Bonus points for conducting at least one mock interview.) True or False?

#7: I have talked with my family, neighbours, teachers, and friends about the types of jobs I want — and have asked for their help in finding potential job opportunities for me. True or False?

#8: I am prepared to explain why each prospective employer should hire me over the competition (other teens, college students, and retired folks). True or False?

#9: I understand the importance of following up each application I submit – and writing thank-you notes to each hiring manager I meet. True or False?

#10: I understand my odds and know that rejection will be part of the job-search process, but I am prepared to keep looking until I get a job. True or False?

Scoring:
Give yourself 10 points for every true response and 0 points for every false response.

90-100 pts. — You are ready to find your first job! Congratulations. You have put in the time and effort and completed your research. While it still may take a lot of effort, you should have good success in finding your first job.

70-80 pts. — You are in decent shape for finding your first job. You have a basic understanding of the job-search process, but what you don’t understand could hold you back or make it harder to find that first job. Consider brushing up on what you don’t know.

Under 70 pts. — You are in for a long struggle in finding your first job — unless you take the time now to learn the key elements you don’t currently understand.

Use the resources on QuintCareers.com to enhance your knowledge of the job-hunting process and you should be on your way to having better success in finding your first job.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT VISIT: www.workingincanada.gc.ca

FUN FACTS

0.7%: Between January 2011 and January 2012, Ontario’s employment rate rose 0.7% or by 44, 000 people.

237: In the month of February, the Job Gym website posted 237 jobs for our job seekers!

One of the most common summer jobs is working as a Landscape Labourer.

This is a seasonal job. Often, there are minimal qualifications needed to secure work in this field. Being reliable, hard working and able to work well independently and in a team are some key skills required for this field.

This occupation might be good for you if:

• You like to work outside
• You enjoy being physically active
• You appreciate nature

The hours are long depending on the weather. On days with high humidex factors you may start later in the day and work into the eveningSome things to keep in mind about this occupation include:

• You are working outside in the sun

According to the Working In Canada website (www.workingincanada.gc.ca), the average wage for this occupation is $13.28 an hour. Opportunities for this position can be found with National or Provincial Parks, Landscaping Services, Amusement Parks and Golf Courses.

Typical duties of landscape labourers include:

• Spread top soil, lay sod, plant flowers, grass, shrubs and trees and perform other duties to assist with the construction of a landscape and related structures
• Cut grass, rake, fertilize and water lawns, weed gardens, prune shrubs and trees and perform other maintenance duties as directed by supervisor
• Maintain lawns and grass along roadsides
• Operate and maintain power mowers, tractors, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, pruning saws, snowblowers and other landscape maintenance equipment
• Spray and dust trees, shrubs, lawns and gardens as directed, to control insects and disease
• Perform other manual duties to clean and maintain landscaped environments

So you have decided that you want to work as a Landscape Labourer, great! Now, where can you get a job in this field?

Start looking at online job postings as jobs in this field will start being posted soon. You can also use the local business directory to look for employers in this field. Now would be a great time to send in your cover letter and resume.

And if you secure a summer job as a Landscape Labourer and enjoy the work, keep in mind that this can also become a career choice. You may want to consider a career as an Arborist, Landscape Technician or Greenhouse Technician.

Dear Job Gym Jen:
I am a high school student and I am looking for a job for the summer. Is it too soon to start looking? Do you have any suggestions about who will be hiring? I don’t know where to start… please help!

Summer

Dear Summer:

It’s never too early to start looking for a job! Especially a summer one… like the saying goes: the early bird gets the worm!

Your first step should be to create a resume – stop by the Job Gym and one of our counsellors can help you make one that highlights your previous work, volunteer and co-op experience.

You can also sign up to attend our Resume Clinic which we offer a bunch of times each month (check out the seminar calendar at the end of this newsletter for dates!).Then, once you have a resume, you can start your job search!

We’re lucky to live in Niagara for so many reasons – especially since we have a big number of tourist destinations. Tons of hotels and attractions in Niagara Falls start their hiring in early spring… Marineland, Clifton Hill, Maid of the Mist, the Butterfly Conservatory and a bunch of others hire tons of students during the summer to help service the tourists that will soon start pouringinto the city. There are also golf courses all over the Niagara Region and they have positions in a lot of different departments – club house, green maintenance, and pro shop are just a few options. Be sure to look into landscaping companies if you enjoy working outdoors during the warmer seasons and the various summer camps if you’d like to stay busy with younger children.

You will start to see a lot of student job postings on the various job boards like www.JobGym.com and www.JobBank.gc.ca but you can also apply directly to the employer even if they don’t have any advertised job postings. Walk into the company or organization and ask to speak to the manager – but be sure to dress professionally (baseball hats, jeans, and sweat shirts need not apply!). If you’re not able to speak to the manager right then, ask for their name and then call back in a few days to ensure the manager actually received your resume. And remember… sometimes it’s a numbers game – so the more resumes you hand out, the higher your chances of getting a call back!

If you’d like more info about finding a summer job, stop by the Job Gym and one of our counsellors would be more than happy to help you out. Good luck!

ask the pro

By: Chris Berrington – Human Resources Consultant, The Burke Group

QUESTION: Reference checking is a major part of our hiring process. Often times, applicants do not include reference contacts for ALL of their previous employers listed on a resume. Can I contact a reference if I have not been provided with authorization from the candidate?

ANSWER: Obtaining information about a prospective employee’s employment history without prior written authorization from the applicant is referred to as “backdoor referencing” – even the term sounds shady.

Although this method of reference checking may seem harmless-and may still be common practice among many organizations – according to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), it is illegal. Under PIPEDA, personal information MUST be “collected with consent and for a reasonable purpose.”

References are typically completed after a first, and sometimes second interview-when you are pleased with the candidate and his or her qualifications. Say for example, you decide to call John whom you know from ABC Company, and who worked with the candidate years before; and you have a personal conversation discussing issues that have no bearing on the person’s ability to perform the job and experiences that are no longer relevant.

Now that scenario may seem innocent, but here are the issues: First and foremost, you have not been authorized by the candidate to contact that employer and second, you are now basing your decision on information that may have no relevance with the current job opening.

Effective references are always conducted with companies where the candidate was employed in a similar role and by asking questions directly related to the position the candidate is applying for.

PIPEDA dictates that “Organizations shall not collect personal information indiscriminately. Both the amount and the type of information collected shall be limited to that which is necessary to fulfill the purposes identified.”

Remember… if you don’t have permission to call, DON’T. Information on PIPEDA can be found at www.priv.gc.ca

This full article can be found at: www.businesslinkniagara.com JANUARY 2012 EDITION

FACTS FOR EMPLOYERS

$10.25: According to the Ministry of Labour, general minimum wage is $10.25 an hour for anyone over the age of 18

$9.60: Student Minimum wage is set at $9.60 an hour for those who are under the age of 18, but only when they are working less than 28 hours per week during the school year, or during a break or summer holiday. If they work more than 28 hours, they must be paid general minimum wage as well.

$8.90: The minimum wage to pay a server is $8.90 an hour.

Looking for a little help with hiring?

Let us do the work for you!
The Job Gym offers a variety of services for employers who are looking for hiring assistance! Check out our programs.

Job Matching and Placement Incentives (JMPS):

Our Job Matching and Placement Incentive programs offer a variety of resources for employers.

Human Resources Support:

We can act as an off-site Human Resources department for your business. We will confidentially recruit, prescreen, complete preliminary interviews and check references on your behalf.
Once this is completed we will forward you a short list of top candidates to choose from.
Additionally, we can share information on hiring practices and procedures as well as provide support in developing job descriptions and training plans.

Cost Recovery Strategies:

We offer placement incentives through Employment Ontario to assist with training costs of new staff and summer students. We can also research additional funding sources suitable to your business needs.

Please note: In order to be eligible for a wage subsidy your business must: be legally registered (Federal business number will be required); have WSIB or alternative workplace safety insurance; have third party liability insurance; and offer trainees a minimum of 20 hours per week. We also cannot provide subsidy for
anyone who is directly related to you.

Recruitment and Advertising:

Our website, www.jobgym.com, is one of the most popular job searching websites in Niagara, averaging between 3000 and 5000 unique visitors daily. Employers can post job opportunities on-line at no cost. Affordable advertising of your business can also be purchased at approximately $1.00 a day.

Our staff are very skilled and experienced in running successful job fairs. We will assist in organizing everything from advertising to logistics and providing staffing support in order to ensure that employers can meet numerous candidates in a short time frame.

For more information on these services, contact one of our Job Developers at (905)732-7655.

Summer Jobs Service (SJS):

Summer Jobs Service (SJS) is a $2/hour wage initiative through Employment Ontario and is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The SJS program focus is to provide students with work experience during the summer months. The subsidized component of SJS is available in April of each year. Employers can post job opportunities, free of charge, for students throughout the year. For more information on this program, and how to be a part of it please contact Becky TenDen at (905)732-7655 or at rtenden@jhs-niagara.ca.

Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOWs):

This 8-week program is designed to provide people between the ages of 55-64 with the support they need to transition into new jobs. The support is provided through a combination of job-search coaching, skills upgrading and work experience.

To be eligible you must:

• Be aged 55 to 64
• Unemployed or working less than 20 hours a week
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Lack skills needed to find a new job
• Ready to work
• Residing in an eligible community

For more program information, please contact:
Sue Cardamone at (905)732-7655 or at scardamone@jhs-niagara.ca.

workshop schedule

Resume Clinic
WELLAND: April 25 / May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1:30 to 3:00pm
FORT ERIE: April 24 / May 14, 9:00am to 12:00pm, May 2, 25, 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Work Smart
WELLAND: April 19, 26 / May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 9:00am to 11:00am
FORT ERIE: April 25 / May 4, 28, 2:00pm to 4:00pm, May 15, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Computer Basics
WELLAND: May 2, 9:00am to 12:00pm
FORT ERIE: May 8, 9:00am to 10:30am

Career Exploration
WELLAND: May 14, 9:00am to 3:00pm
FORT ERIE: April 30 / May 1, 29, 30, 9:00am to 3:00pm

Presenting Yourself While Job Searching
WELLAND: April 23 / May 1, 22, 10:00am to 11:30am

Computer Essentials
WELLAND: May 9 / 23, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Coffee Chat (Stress and Unemployment)
WELLAND: May 15, 9:30am to 10:30am

Traffic Control ($5)
WELLAND: April 20 / May 18, 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Fall Protection ($12)
WELLAND: April 20 / May 18, 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Interview Techniques
WELLAND: April 24 / May 8, 22, 2:00pm to 3:30pm
FORT ERIE: April 23 / May 7, 31, 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Social Media and Job Search
WELLAND: May 16, 9:00am to 12:00pm

Communication in the Workplace
WELLAND: April 30 / May 28, 10:00am to 11:30am

Second Career Info Session
WELLAND: April 24 / May 22, 10:00am to 11:00am, May 8, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
FORT ERIE: April 27 / May 11, 28, 9:00am to 10:00am

Smart Serve Certification ($30)
WELLAND: April 24, 4:00pm to 7:00pm, May 8, 9:00am to 12:00pm
FORT ERIE: April 20 / May 18, 9:00am to 1:00pm

Food Safety Certification ($45)
WELLAND: April 27 / May 29, 9:00am to 5:00pm
FORT ERIE: April 16 / May 16, 9:00am to 5:00pm

WHMIS Training ($5)
WELLAND: April 27 / May 11, 25, 9:00am to 10:00am

Steps To Starting A Small Business
WELLAND: May 1, 9:00am to 11:00am

How To Write A Business Plan
WELLAND: May 15, 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Job Search Success
FORT ERIE: May 9, 2:00pm to 4:00pm, May 25, 10:00am to 12:00pm

First Aid/CPR Level C
FORT ERIE: May 22, 23, 9:00am to 4:00pm

For More Information Visit: www.jobgym.com

For more information, click here

The Second Career Information session will provide information on eligibility and suitability for funding. This session will also review how to complete the application process and what your first steps will be.

Welland Job Gym
225 East Main Street
May 8, 2012
2:00pm-3:00pm
May 22, 2012
10:00am-11:00am

Fort Erie Job Gym
469 Central Avenue
May 11, 2012
May 28, 2012
9:00am – 10:00am

If you are interested in Second Career and would like more information or
would like to register for this session please call

Welland Job Gym at 905-732-7655
or the Fort Erie Job Gym at 905-871-3932.

Seminars and consultation with an Enterprise Centre representative will happen the first and third Tuesday of each month at the Job Gym at 225 East Main St.

The services are free but an appointment is required for consultations,
which will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pre-registration is also required to attend seminars. 

Seminar Dates:

Steps to Starting a Small Business
June 5, 2012
9:00am - 11:00am

How to Write a Business Plan
May 15, 2012
June 19, 2012
1:00pm – 3:00pm

To register for a seminar or consultation please call, 905-732-7655.

The Ontario Self-Employment Benefit provides unemployed people who are or have recently been eligible for Employment Insurance with income and entrepreneurial support while they develop and start their business.

Ontario Office Works Inc. delivers the Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program for Employment Ontario in the southwestern portion of the Niagara Region, including the municipalities of Welland, Pelham, Port Colborne, and Wainfleet and the Town of Dunnville.

Information sessions held at:

Welland Job Gym
225 East Main Street

May 10, 2012
1:30-3:00pm
May 23
10:00-11:30am

Please phone 905-732-7655 to register

Looking for a career as a Security Guard?

Do you need to apply for your Security License due to the new Training and Testing Regulations?

Training will be held at:

Job Gym
225 East Main Street,  Welland

May 14-18, 2012

Call 905-732-7655 for more information.  Space is limited!!!

The Good Food Box can be ordered in two sizes

The small 1 -2 person size box is $15
The large 4 family size box is $20

Welland Residents:

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION…

St. Catharines Residents:

Please contact the St. Catharines Job Gym at 905-682-8372 for more information.

Fort Erie Residents:

Please contact the Fort Erie Job Gym at 905-871-3932 for more information.

Now, we have made it easier and more convenient to pay for training programs!  All 3 Job Gym locations now accept Interac, Visa and Mastercard!

So, come on in and sign up for some seminars!

In today’s digital world, virtually every employer and academic institution requires basic computing knowledge and digital skills. Oasis Skills Building is an online digital skills enhancement program for anyone, anywhere.

Courses Available

http://oasisskillsbuilding.com/Docs/Course_Guide_for_OasisSkillsBuilding_eLearning.pdf

Upon successful completion of the Oasis Skills Building program, you can expect to have developed the skills necessary to operate your computer, use key software applications and live online. These skills give you a fantastic opportunity to advance in education, employment or certified courses. With Oasis Skills Building, you will have an exciting opportunity to unlock your potential!

Anyone Can Gain Digital Skills

Improve your Prospects

Learn At Your Own Pace!

How to Register:

Visit any one of our locations or phone for more information!

Welland
225 East Main Street
905-732-7655

St. Catharines
210 King Street
905-682-8372

Fort Erie
469 Central Avenue
905-871-3932

Oasis Skills Building helps you identify what you need to learn and allows you to gain these skills at your own pace using the latest e-learning technology. YOU are in control every step of the way and most importantly, a fully-trained staff member is available to help you through a tough spot.

Employers are increasingly seeking industry standard skills in their staff. Enrolling in the Oasis Skills Building program will offer you an engaging learning experience, boost your resume, and open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.
You do not need any previous computer skills or work history to take advantage of this training.

• Learn at your own pace; Learn from anywhere you have access to an Internet connection
• Dozens of courses such as Ic3 (globally recognized, standards-based training)
• Courses in MS Office, Windows, A+ certification for serious techs, and lots more!
• Switch between multiple courses as you desire (Do a little on Word, then maybe switch to a lesson on PowerPoint, back to Word, its up to you what you’re doing when)
• Pre-test and post-test for each subject. See exactly how you’ve been able to progress in your learning!
• Got a wrong answer in pre- or post-testing? Interactive review segments help solidify the concept you missed
• View and print reports of all the courses and the exact Credit Hours and scores you’ve achieved at any time

All this, for 12 Months of access, for just $25!