New Program to Enhance Employability in Cape Breton

COMMUNITY SERVICES--New Program to Enhance Employability in Cape Breton

The new Horizon Work Activity program in Sydney will help unemployed people improve their skills and strengthen opportunities for employment.

The Nova Scotia Department of Community Services has contributed $451,197 in start-up and operational funding for the Horizon Work Activity program through the Employment Support Services program. Employment Support Services encourages and empowers individuals to move toward employability and increased self-sufficiency through a wide range of programs.

"This work activity program is an extension of the services we currently provide to individuals in this community," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services, who attended the official launch of the program today, Nov. 7. "The Horizon Work Activity program will provide valuable supports to enable people to reach their personal goals for employability. Once these individuals have the basic skills they need, they will be better equipped to move to self-sufficiency."

Human Resources Development Canada has contributed $253,737 through the Employment Assistance Services program. Employment Assistance Services provide counselling, job search techniques, job search and labour market information.

"The government of Canada is pleased to support the Horizon Achievement Centre Society so that they can continue to provide development and employment opportunities to their clients, who will help to contribute to the area's economic development," said member of Parliament Mark Eyking, who attended the event on behalf of Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development.

Horizon Work Activity is a subsidiary of the Horizon Achievement Centre Society. Horizon Work Activity programs and services focus on academic upgrading and literacy, workplace technology, life skills and employability. Through work placements, participants learn marketable skills in the food services, hospitality, business, clerical, retail and maintenance industries.

"The work activity program will address the growing number of individuals seeking employment services from this organization, as well as complement the services we presently offer," said Carol Pendergast, executive director of the Horizon Achievement Centre Society.

The Horizon Work Activity program is the sixth program of its kind in the province. It is a six-month program and accepts up to 30 clients at a time, based on referrals from the community or individuals themselves.