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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-04-26, Page 9Benefiting from opportunity Vanessa Berdan of Brussels, took full' advantage of the opportunity to enrol in the Futures pre-employment program offered at the Ark and is now working part-time at Brussels Variety. bituaries Mott's Regular or Spicy CLAMATO JUICE cia 1 LITRE 11 "" wa. Packaged seeds in 1/4, 1/2 & 1 lb. bags (Corn, Peas, Beans) Seed Potatoes (Red Cheiftan, Kenebec, Superior) Rose Bushes Potting Soil Peat Moss Sheep Manure eAo ir Valley Farms Julienne FRENCH FRIES 1 kg .99 SEALTEST Sour Cream 500 ml 1.79 Whipping Cream 250 mi 1.29 Orange Juice 2 Litre 1.69 Parlour Ice Cream 2 Litre 3.99 Hunt's KETCHUP 750 ml 149 THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1995. PAGE 9. Rural youth grab job training opportunities By Janice Becker Many young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 find themselves in a cycle of unemployment which is often difficult to break. Whether they have graduated from high school, completed all or part of post-secondary education or parted ways with high school before the degree was earned, young people are facing a difficult time entering the job market. Through a first-time initiative, offered in co-operation with Conestoga College in Kitchener, the provincial Futures program and local individuals, youth in Northern Huron were given the opportunity to enter the pre-employment program to enhancepeir job finding and keeping skills. Vanessa Berdan, an 18-year-old Brussels resident, who graduated from secondary school in 1994, found the job search difficult. "I spent time babysitting, then working on a local farm, but a 4444 neither worked out," says Vanessa. "I was unemployed by November." Though skeptical that the pre-employment program, offered at the Ark in Brussels, would help in her search, she enrolled. The program ran for 12 weeks from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, ending March 31. "It wasn't supposed to feel like school, but in some ways it still did. Brad made it much more enjoyable because he is easy going and relaxed. He was very flexible in how the classes proceed," says Vanessa. Course instructor Brad Barton, a private counselor and career consultant from Goderich became involved in the program because of his "passion to work with youth." The most important things to teach the young people are confidence, skills and the correct attitude, says Barton. They have to set out a map of their goals and where they want to head. The course, though centred on finding and keeping a job, also covers the personal development of the participants. "A lot of the youth involved in these programs have personal issues which they must deal with," he says. For Vanessa, the program was a success for her. Within three weeks of beginning in the program, she landed a part-time job at a local variety and food market, a place she had applied before. "Getting into the pre-employment program and then qualifying for Futures (a provincial government- sponsored training program), has allowed me to learn on the job without my employer having to pay for training time," she says. "Because you know you are on a time-limited program, I think it encourages you to work harder. You want to get hired after the training period is over." Though Vanessa does not plan on remaining as a variety store clerk as a career choice, she says it will help her gain skills needed to find another job. Her long-term plans are to return to school to become an aesthetician. "I would definitely recommend this program to graduates or older people who did not graduate. It is for those who are serious about finding a job and are able to deal with the reality of working," she says. Barton says the program was very successful. The first held in a rural community, the program also featured many guest speakers, covering topics such as drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, mental health and crime and punishment. Herb Horsey, co-ordinator for the Futures pre-employment program with Conestoga College, says the success of the Brussels initiative may lead to other programs in rural areas, possibly at two different times of the year. "We couldn't be more pleased with the results. We didn't lose any participants simply because they quit. Some left because they found employment, others moved on to the Futures program and some plan to return to school. The government is happy with 70 per cent completing the program so we went beyond expectations.". The program would not have been a success without the push of Sallianne Patch of the Ark, to get it started, Barton's efforts in the class and Brussels Public School allowing us to use their computers, says Horsey. AGNES SCHADE Agnes Schade passed away on Sunday, April 16, at Maplewood Manor in Seaforth. She was in her 87th year. Mrs. Schade, the former Agnes Nesbitt, was the beloved wife of the late Norman Schade, dear mother of Elgin Schade and his wife Ruth of McKillop Twp. and Muriel and her husband Howard Maier of Dashwood, the loving grandmother of Jane Schade of Stratford and her friend Brock Hasty, Nancy and her husband Wayne Denham of Seaforth, Michael Maier of Toronto, Tom Maier of Erin and two great grand- children, Jacquelyn and Jeffery Denham. She was predeceased by three brothers and one sister. The family received friends at the Whitney-Ribey Funeral Home in Seaforth on April 17 and 18. Rev. Bruce Cook officiated at the funeral service on April 19. Pallbearers were Stan Schade, Harry Nesbitt, Jim Nichol, Tom Maier, Michael Maier and Wayne Denham. Interment was at Molesworth Cemetery. JANNY (VAN VLIET) WILLMORE After a courageous battle with cancer Janny Willmore of Stratford passed away on April 19, 1995. Surviving are her husband, Bob, her four children (Roseanne, Lisa, David and Jody) and six grand- children. She is also survived by her mother, Jaantje van Vliet of London (formerly of Brussels), her brother, Jan, of Brussels and sisters, Mary in Holland, Conic of Pene- tanguishene and Pieta of London. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Jr., her father, Jan Sr. and a sister, Woutrina Romeyn. Funeral services were held April 22 at the W. G. Young Funeral Home, Stratford with Rev. Robert Williams officiating. Purchasing a vehicle is a big decision LET US HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT ONE Quality Cars & Trucks GARRY WOODCOCK HA . Ike kW* OetlsrW014 Theft rkor iMERCURY . NIG MAY WfT r SEArORTI-1 4040-1 Stepping towards success The provincially-sponsored Futures pre-employment program drew 17 young adults to the 12-week course to gain knowlege on searching for and keeping a job. In back from left: Brad Mawhinney, Dale Lyttle, clerical support, Rick Johnston, Brad Barton, counsellor and consultant and Herb Horsey, program co-ordinator. In front, from left, Vanessa Berdan, Kati Wade, Futures representative, Melissa Weber and Heidi Olds. VA B RUSSELS Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. M 10 p.m. Sun. 9 am. - 9 p.m. Open 7 days for your convenience 887-6224