There’s more to the Burlington Y than gym and swim, where for 25 years the Career Development and Learning Centre has been serving the community.
It started small back in 1986 with at-risk youth programs and while this is still one of the target groups, today the service has expanded to include adult job seekers and children who need academic tutoring. The summer job program for youth is seasonal, beginning in April and May. The adult program runs year-round.
The centre offers pre-apprentice programs, a drop-in youth resource centre and two alternative education programs operated in partnership with Halton District School Board.
A current program called Job Connect, is specifically for unemployed adults seeking full time work. Participants learn job search skills and receive help with their resume. A one-on-one meeting with an employment specialist provides helpful tips and support. Through Job Connect, potential employers can qualify for a training incentive if a program participant is hired.
A good resume can be a door opener but many job seekers haven’t updated their information or its presentation.
“We have qualified staff that can sit down one-on-one and go through the resume with them. Maybe they have specific job postings that they are applying to so we can give them some tips and ideas on how to fix their resume so that hopefully they can get that interview and go to the next step,” The centre’s general manager Lily Lumsden explains.
Serving youth under the age of 30, the centre operates as a drop-in service open through the week from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information go to the Career Development and Learning – YMCA Burlington website at www.mydreamjob.ca.
