Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Providence (Apr 02/04) - Seven adult students in Fort Providence are better prepared to go to work.

On March 19, they graduated from the 10-week job search skills program through Aurora College.

Natalie Choquette, left, instructor of the job search skills program in Fort Providence, presents student Angelique Farcy with her certificate for completing the course. photo courtesy of Aurora College

Peter Minoza, one of the participants in the course, didn't miss a single day. He said earning his safety certification and learning to properly prepare a resume were a few of the most important aspects of the program.

Minoza had a two-week job placement with the Hamlet of Fort Providence. Part of that time was devoted to water testing at the community's water plant with the municipal public works department. He also spent time inspecting the dump.

Then, during the busy Bison Jamboree spring carnival, he assisted recreation staff with various events.

He is optimistic that his new skills will pay off. "I'm going to start working pretty soon, I hope, with the hamlet," he said.

Other students in the program did their job shadowing at the Health Centre, the Friendship Centre, Big River Services and with the Land-Use Planning Committee.

The course also covered teamwork skills, the importance of being on time, personal care and hygiene, being organized, following directions, developing portfolios, writing cover letters and how and where to look for work, said assistant instructor Phoebe Parent.

She said she noticed a boost in the students' self-confidence as the program progressed. "They were pretty happy with themselves by the time they were finished," she said.

"They recognize their strengths."