Investment Makes Job Skills Programs More Accessible in Valley
The province announced a $550,000 investment today, May 21, for a new centre in Kentville that will grow the economy by helping people find work.
The funding for the PeopleWorx Society, a non-profit organization helping people develop essential skills for today's job market, will go towards construction of the Kings Opportunity Service Centre. Offering a complete range of professional services, the society helps people reach their personal, educational and employment potential.
"We are committed to getting the province back to balance and one way we are doing that is by making strategic investments that will improve our workforce," said Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "PeopleWorx has a proven track record of helping Nova Scotians enter the workforce or improve their job status. This investment will make life better for families."
The new building will bring together the PeopleWorx Annapolis Valley Work Center, Kings Employment Counselling, Community Service's Job Finder's Club and Career Resource Center and the Continuing Care Assistant program under one roof.
PeopleWorx first opened its doors in 1986 and offers programs and services in employment counselling, enhanced reading levels, and job search skills. But its real impact is found in the renewed sense of confidence its students leave with.
"Coming to the work center really helped me be me," said Debbie MacInnes a recent graduate and May 2010 valedictorian of the program. "I now have a strong foundation and a new direction, only this time I am more confident, more educated and much prouder."
Construction of the $2.4 million, 18,000 square foot facility, will begin this spring and is expected to open in the fall.
"The Kings Opportunity Service Centre is a much anticipated addition to our community," said Bill Travis executive director, PeopleWorx Society. "The centre will improve the quality of employment services and help residents become more successful in the job market."