The Open Door Group is accepting applications for the Jobs in Demand: Retail & Service Training Cohort beginning on June 20. The program is intended to help youth (aged 15 to 29) with barriers to find work.
“We’re accepting those with self-identified barriers,” said Wendy Byhre, job developer at the Open Door Group. “So it could be anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome – anything that’s hindering them from getting stable work.”
This is the third Jobs in Demand cohort conducted by the Open Door Group – the first was hospitality and tourism based, the second was for social services.
“We’re expanding this cohort to attract a wider client base,” Byhre said. “The focus will be on hospitality, tourism, retail and service.”
Kaitlynn Melnychuk completed the social services cohort and has since found work as a caregiver with Nurse Next Door.
“It was an amazing opportunity,” Melnychuk said. “We got about eight different certifications that came along with it. The instructors are amazing. They’re very open and friendly.”
BC workplace emergency first aid, mental health first aid, safeTALK, Suicide alertness for everyone, and understanding complex behavioural conditions were among the eight certifications that Melnychuk received.
“For people who can’t afford any other schooling right now – to get all those certifications and training under your belt – it just helped me so much,” she said.
Once the six-week program is completed, the Open Door Group helps candidates get their foot in the door by connecting them to employers in the retail and service sector. The Open Door Group collaborates with businesses on the Sunshine Coast to nurture diverse and inclusive work environments.
“Diversity contributes to a high-performance workplace, and creates a wider talent pool with a broad range of skills and perspectives. It benefits both the individual with the disability and the organization, and it’s a great business decision,” Byhre said.
The application deadline has been extended to June 22; the program is free for eligible candidates. Find out more at www.jobsindemand.ca
