(Photo: File)
A new labour market training program in Prince Edward County is hoping to help give job seekers a leg up in the job market.
The Helping Employers Acquire Talent, or HEAT program, is run by the County Workforce Partnership and participants will get training, support and knowledge to flourish in the tourism and hospitality sectors in the County.
Whether 19 years old or 60, a new employee or one who wants to progress in their career path, this training will give
participants the tools they need to succeed.
There are 18 local tourism and hospitality employers on the H.E.A.T. Advisory Committee who give feedback, advice and information on running their businesses and what they need from current and prospective staff.
Now it is time for participants to show their interest in the program.
Participants will receive Tourism Ambassador Training, which provides the knowledge, resources and tools to understand the Prince Edward County culture and what makes it special.
They can visit wineries, taste artisanal food products and experience the passion that employers have.
Starting in September, 55 participants will have the opportunity to undergo H.E.A.T. training. Of those 55, 35 will be new participants who were unemployed or underemployed and 20 will be workers who simply want to enhance their current job status with the opportunity to move up in their career. Over the course of the training, and continuing into employment, participants will be supported by a job coach.
Although H.E.A.T. training is not paid, Career Edge will cover the cost of Smart Serve, Service Excellence and Safe Food Handlers certifications.
Sam Parsons, a co-owner of Parsons Brewing Co. says “At Parsons Brewing Co., we take great pride in training and in supporting our team to do their best work. We are looking forward to working with the H.E.A.T. team to remove some of the employment barriers our community is facing.”
Depending on financial need,they can also cover transportation and childcare costs during training. Industry leaders will encourage and motivate participants by sharing their own experiences in the industry, why they love what they do and how participants can progress in their careers.
Jenifer Dean, the Managing Director at The County Cider Company Ltd. says “Helping Employers Acquire Talent (H.E.A.T.) is a much needed initiative that will bring ‘work ready’ employees into local tourism businesses. Soft skills training such as interview skills, service excellence, safe food handling and more are part of the program being offered. Working with local hospitality based employers is a vital part of this training and we at County Cider look forward to working with our tourism partners to make this program a success.”
Current employees or those looking for employment in the sectors can be referred to H.E.A.T. training in a number of ways. They can be referred by a community partner like the Prince Edward Learning Centre or the municipality’s social services.
Participants can contact Career Edge and talk to an Employment Counsellor, or can also speak to any local
employers who are involved in the project. The County Workforce Partnership – a coalition of local employers, the Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Municipality of Prince Edward County, Prince Edward Learning Centre and Career Edge – is excited to work with local employers and employees.
