Assiniboine delivers free employment skills training to 34 youth participants

Assiniboine Community College’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) program wrapped up its second successful offering at the end of November.

The 11-week program was delivered to 34 participants, aged 15 to 30, in three rural communities— Dauphin, Russell, and Waywayseecappo.

YESS aims to help youth make career decisions, create a career plan, develop workplace skills and gain work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.

“I saw many improvements in participants, including an increased level of confidence, more direction and planning for their future, job searching skills, communication and working hard to live a healthier lifestyle”, said Jane Delange, instructor for the YESS program in Dauphin. “It was rewarding to see these young people determined to make a difference in their current situation.”

The program, funded by the Government of Canada Youth Employment Skills Strategy, is geared toward individuals with little or no significant work experience, and who may not have completed their high school education.

“The program has benefited me by helping me gain a ton of knowledge and valuable skills”, said Wynona Guiboche, a student of the YESS program. “I truly enjoyed the program and encourage anyone looking to gain employment skills to take the program.”

Assiniboine partnered with local employers in Dauphin, Russell and Waywayseecappo to provide work placements for each participant, including placements in health offices, restaurants, daycares, grocery stores, hotels and schools.

“Our local employers have been very receptive to the program and support the participants in becoming good employees,” said Jane Delange.

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a certificate of achievement.

Assiniboine will be delivering the final offering of the three-year program in fall 2022. Anyone interested in learning more about the YESS program is encouraged to contact Continuing Studies at Assiniboine by email at continuingstudies@assiniboine.net or by phone at 204-725-8725.