NEWS

The New Employee Wage Subsidy program (NEWS) has helped hundreds of unemployed people on the North Island gain the skills needed to secure on-going, sustainable work. Provided by Creative Employment Access Society, NEWS reimburses employers a portion of the wages for providing on-the-job training to eligible job-seekers. Each of our clients has a unique story but the one thing they all have in common is a desire to achieve their employment goals. Here are some of their stories:

V. has been in the work force for a number of years in a variety of entry level office positions. After her last employer downsized, she found employers demanding higher level computer and bookkeeping skills than she had. She decided to target employers who would appreciate her general office skills and her excellent customer service skills with the NEWS program. This enabled her to convince an employer to take her on and train her in an office position, with a focus on computer-based bookkeeping. Should she find herself looking for work in the future, she now has in-demand skills.

K. has worked in retail sales and after a recent layoff decided to take some training in sales and marketing. As a new graduate, without a “proven track record in sales”, employers didn’t want to give him a chance. The NEWS program convinced an employer to take him on, groom him in their sales style and give him time to learn their products. He is well on his way to achieving his track record.

T. has a background in computer technology and photography, but changes in her personal life have required her to find work she can do from her home. The NEWS program enabled a website developer with a small but rapidly growing business to take her on and provide extensive training in website design and client management. T. brings many strengths and skills to the position and she and her employer agree it’s a win-win situation.

R. was displaced from the forestry industry. As a hands-on learner, he knew that school wasn’t for him, so he signed up for the NEWS program and was able to secure a position in the trades with a local electrical company, which is now apprenticing him.

N. had recently relocated to the North Island and being over 60, was finding it difficult to get employers to consider him for the labouring work he was used to doing. The NEWS program gave him a chance to offer his general construction experience to a local renovation company. After trying him out for a short time, they realized he had a lot to offer and were happy to train him in more detailed work.

Whether you are a job seeker or an employer, if you think you could benefit from the New Employee Wage Subsidy Program, please give your local NEWS office a call.

Campbell River: 250-287-3557
Comox Valley: 250-702-0277
North Island: 250 -949-5736