Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Apr 12/02) - Knowing how to find a job and how to keep one are essential in today's world.

With that in mind, four Fort Simpson youth graduated from an eight-week employment readiness program called Career Moves.

They were honoured at a luncheon at Deh Cho Hall last Friday for committing themselves to learning the importance of being punctual, reliable, and consistent.

They also received lessons in self-esteem, assertiveness, communication skills and they learned how to explore career options.

The course has already paid off for Leah Isaiah. She has found work at Kids' Corner day care and as a casual employee at Fort Simpson's long-term care facility.

Isaiah said the Career Moves program helped her to build confidence to inquire whether jobs are available through specific businesses or organizations.

She also improved her resume, she added.

Fellow program graduate Tanya Hardisty said she now has a better understanding of how to write a cover letter for a resume and how to prepare a proposal.

"I think all the stuff I learned will help me in the future to get a job in Fort Simpson," said Hardisty.

Chris Cli, who has been working part-time at the Northern store for the past two years, attended the program faithfully when he was not filling a shift, Career Moves instructor Janice Wotherspoon noted.

"Rain or shine, Chris was there," she said.

Cli said he now knows how to use the Internet thanks to his participation in the program.

Through Aurora College, the students also had access to the Information Highway program.

Wotherspoon credited several agencies for their contributions and funding.

"We had everybody involved. It was really good," she said.

Although classes have ended, participants are still planning to meet regularly to complete a business proposal.

Wotherspoon preferred not to reveal what sort of business they are interested in, but said she hopes it will be a reality by summer or fall.