Archive for the ‘News’ Category

Hello from the new C@p intern

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

My name is Victoria Weir and I’m the new C@p intern here at the Digby Career Resource Center. I am very excited to be here, and I have a lot of ideas for workshops and tutorials that I am going to be holding over the summer.

Every Thursday starting June 17th there will be two One-On-One Tutorial timeslots available for you to sign up for; 10:30-11:30 AM or 2:30-3:30 PM.You can get assistance with whatever you require assistance with such as using the Internet/setting up and using your personal e-mail account or learning about computer basics. Registration is required for this tutorial; To Register please call (902)245-7540 and please state what it is you need help with.

Some of the upcoming workshops include introduction to Facebook & Security Settings, Photo Story Tutorial, Computer Basics, Introduction to the Internet/Email, Open Office open-source software, Microsoft Word,Photo Editing and how to use Kijiji for online buying and selling.
Please keep a look out of these in the future and I look forward to meeting and helping all of the regular and new C@p site users.

Hope to see you soon,

Victoria

Brian Joudrey representing DALA is featured in an interview

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Take a peak at the C@P webpage. It’s a great site to look at and our very own Brian Joudrey is featured in an interview at the Digby Career Resource Centre. To preview this interview and learn more about the CRC click on the Association home tab, then click Digby on the map, click here for more information and press play to view. http://awvcaps.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=42&Itemid=66

From our May DALA newsletter

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

 

DALA

New officers were appointed for the DALA Board of Directors on Wednesday April 28, 2010. The new officers are Peter Janson as Chair, Nina Barnaby as Vice Chair and Marjorie Hales as Secretary / Tresurer.

LEARNING GROVE CHILDCARE CENTRE

  • The preschoolers enjoyed their trip to the Lifeplex in April. Thanks to all the volunteers for their help.
  • It’s time to sign up for the School Age Unit if you want after school child care for the fall of 2010.
  • Summer Fair: Why do we have a summer fair? It is one of the two fundraisers we do and depend on every year. The Learning Grove operates solely on parent fees and fundraisers, so this event is very important to the continued operation of the centre. We would like to divide the summer fair planning into different committees. Please consider helping by joining a committee. 

DIGBY CAREER RESOURCE CENTRE

JOB SEARCH CLUB

 A new Job Search Club will be taking place from April 26 to June 4 in Digby, Weymouth and Clare. Liz Young will be the facilitator for the clubs. Liz will also be conducting job search clubs in the Bridgetown and Annapolis areas from June 14 to July 9. These programs are sponsored by the Department of Community Services. Topics covered in the program will include resume and cover letter writing, job maintenance and interview skills.                        

NEW CAREER PATHWAYS WORKSHOP

 This new workshop covers the essential skills employers are looking for. Essential skills are listed as skill requirements for job postings on the Service Canada website. The nine essential skills discussed are reading, document use, numeracy, writing, continuous learning, oral communication, working with others, thinking/problem solving and computer use. This workshop is presented by Darlene Johns. To register for a workshop, phone 245-7442.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Eric Hewey is a grade 11 student from Digby Regional High School who started working with Brian Joudrey, our Network Administrator, as part of the Options and Opportunities program. Eric is interested in pursuing a career in computer technology and the 100 hours he spends working with Brian will help him gain valuable experience and aid in his career decision. One of the projects Eric and Brian worked on was setting up new computers at the Weymouth Job Search Centre. Danny Hatt, a student in his 2nd year of Information Technology at NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus, has also been working with Brian for his spring work term. His project has been to work on the DALA website.

NSCDA CONFERENCE

 The Nova Scotia Career Development Association (NSCDA) conference is being held in Sydney the last week of May. The Coordinator and 3 counselors of the CRC will be attending. The pre-conference with Dr. Dave Redekopp starts on Tuesday May 25 and will be highlighting some of the key economic, social, health, happiness, well-being and other benefits gained when citizens engage in proactive career development activities. The conference ends on Thursday May 27. The 3 days are filled with employability workshops that are beneficial to staff. The time also allows staff to discuss best practices among other service providers.

 TIOWTargeted Initiative for Older Workers–the selection of group 2 will soon begin. The program will be advertised in the Clare Shopper mid May, as well as at the CRC. To arrange an appointment to check for eligibility, contact Jeanette or Jennifer @ (902) 245-7540 or (902) 245-7442. This group will complete 15 weeks of classroom/computer instruction followed by 10 weeks of on the job training.

DIGBY COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE

 GRADUATION

There are 29 students on the potential graduate list. The date of the graduation has been confirmed; it will be on Thursday, June 24that 7:00 pm, at the Digby Regional High School theatre.  There will be 10 students graduating from the Level 4 Program (NSCC), 17 from the Public School Program (TCRSB) and 2 GED (DALA) graduates. 

We also have several returning graduates who attend the PSP (TCRSB) program to upgrade credit courses so that they may be eligible to take post secondary studies. For the past few years we have acknowledged these students by presenting certificates of achievement at the graduation ceremonies.

There are 6 part time students from the Conway Workshop Association who continue to attend the DCEC. Joy Amirault works with the group to improve their literacy skills.

VOLUNTEER AWARD

One of our DCEC students, Terry Farnsworth, received a provincial volunteer award.  This is the second year in a row that a recipient of this award has been a student of the DCEC.  Our students are often very active

 SPECIAL EVENTS

30 Hour Famine: A small group of students, and TCRSB Instructors Maxine MacLean and Julie Keddy participated in the 30 hour Famine and raised over $500.00 for the cause.  The event was sponsored by Pizza Delight, Ricardo’s, Sobeys and NSCC. 

Recent DCEC class trips:

Admiral Digby Museum     Cornwallis Water Treatment                    Digby Water Treatment     Scallop Bowl – School Bowling Event

 Earth Day:  The students cleaned up the school property for Earth Day.  They also participated in the Lights Out Event by turning out the lights in the classrooms, offices and hallways at the DCEC. 

 Geo-CachingMaxine MacLean’s Global Studies and Global Geography classes attended a workshop to learn how to use a handheld GPS with Russell Deveau on April 27.

Job Search Club

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Good day everyone,

Spring has sprung and everyone is gearing up for another summer filled of tourist and visitors for the Digby and surrounding areas. If you are seeking employment and helpful hints on how to land the job, DALA is delivering a  Job Search Club in Digby, Weymouth and Clare areas.

We will cover material on Resume and Cover Letters, Job Search Technics, Interview Skills,Job Maintenance, and coping with unemployment issues. DCS is funding this program and will wrap up on June 4, 2010.

For more information please contact Liz Young at 245-2050.

April Newsletter

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

Following are a few excerpts from our DALA  April newsletter

Weymouth Job Search Centre

A traffic control course was held at the Weymouth Job Search Centre from March 8-12. Nine participants started the week with training in CPR and First Aid with Emily Carmen. On Tuesday, Yvonne Lantz began training in traffic control and signage, and ended the week with WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).

Tammy Robertson, facilitator for Customer Service training, continued her work with five participants at the Weymouth Job Search Centre. Training topics included the nine essential skills, math skills, vocabulary building, self esteem exercises and the 30 Ways to Shine workbook.
The group took part in a New Career Pathways workshop, conducted daily job searching, began portfolio development, and worked on projects dealing with the Doers and Dreamers tourist guide. They also researched local attractions by visiting Bear River, Digby, Sissiboo Landing Visitor Information Centre in Weymouth and travelled along the French Shore as far as Mavillette Beach. A scrapbook from the tourist excursions will be compiled for each group member.
A Food Handler’s course as well as workshops in basic computer, interview skills, time management, budgeting, resume/cover letter writing and personality dimensions took place at the Digby Career Resource Centre.
The eight weeks of training is quickly coming to an end on April 9th. Liz Young, coordinator of the program, states that the program has been awesome, self esteems have rocketed and friendships have blossomed. She hopes that all participants in the Weymouth, Cornwallis and Bridgetown programs will find employment and she is confident that everyone will be successful in the future.

WHERE ARE THE JOBS?

Having trouble finding work? This three hour workshop is presented once a month at the Digby Career Resource Centre and the Weymouth Job Search Centre. The workshop covers ways to find jobs, the hidden job market, labour market information and training opportunities.

Presented by Celia Miller   To register for a workshop, phone 245-7442.

P. A. C. T (Parents and Children Together)

Terry Gilbert is beginning storyboarding with three classes of grade six students at the Digby Elementary School. This activity will result in a book of creative stories that the children and their families may take home.

Another program Terry and the Principal are working on involves parents with small children waiting to pick up their school aged children. Terry’s suggestion is to invite them into the school so they can read with their younger children while they wait.

Shayne Moore has volunteered to work with high school students to conduct interviews with seniors about life in our area during their youth. Shayne is a nurse at Tideview.

DIGBY COMMUNITY EDUCATION CENTRE (DCEC)

Second term registration:

ALP 1, 2 and 3:          27

TCRSB (PSP):             57

ALP 4:                      19

Total           103

New students:

Due to an influx of students, we are now using the multi-purpose room as a classroom for the Level 1 and 2 students. Terry Gilbert has been working diligently painting and assisting with the move. The multi-purpose room has been used as a common study area, for special events, and as the program room for the PACT literacy project.

Volunteers needed:

There is always a need for volunteer tutors (especially in Math and English) for the students in our various programs. Also, anyone interested in offering creative workshops or assisting with the Art 11 program can contact Maxine MacLean at 245-7530.

Career Fair

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Come out and visit us at our annual Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Digby Legion.
Feb. 17th - hours are 12:00 – 7:00
Feb. 18th - hours are 12:00 – 6:00

Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Monday, January 4th, 2010

The Digby Area Learning Association is pleased to announce they will be offering a Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program.

• This program will be  2 groups of 10 participants – 1st group starting December 14, 2009 to June 4, 2009  and 2nd group from June 7, 2009 – November 26, 2009
• Assistance with travel may be provided if required ( bus service / mileage)
• Participants will receive an hourly rate for 30 hours/week
• The first 12 weeks of this program will be in a classroom environment and will provide participants with essential skills and certification. It will be followed by 13 weeks of on the job placement; these hours will be EI insurable.
• Certification includes GED, First Aid-CPR, WHMIS, OH & S, Food Handlers, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Personality Dimensions, Age Advantage Workshop Series, and Computer training
In order to be eligible for this program, clients must meet the following criteria and is on a first come first serve basis.
• Unemployed or underemployed
• Age between 55-64 (In exceptional circumstances workers between 50-54 and over the age of 64 who meet the criteria above are also eligible to participate, but not to the exclusion of a participant aged 55-64
• Preference will be given to individuals who have not completed high school
• Priority to individuals involuntarily displaced due to downsizing or closure
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Live in the eligible community
• Lack the skills needed for successful integration into new employment or lack of marketable skills

To set up an appointment to determine if you are eligible for this program call Jeanette Snow @ 245-7442 or Jennifer Comeau @ 245-7540

Digby Area Board of Trade raised more than $900 for DALA

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

The second annual Tartan Classic golf tornament took place on June 26th/09.  The golf teams were sporting kilts, tams and plaid ties. This event was organized by the Digby Area Board of Trade and  included eight teams taking part in this years event.  More than $900 was raised for DALA and the teams came from as far as Halifax for the fun tournament.  A big thank-you to all who participated and those who helped raise money for DALA.

July 15 C@P day

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

Please join us at the Digby CRC on July 15 in celebration of C@P day; enjoy cake, a chance to win prizes and a special informational presentation for parents on Internet Lingo.

Internet Lingo:

Do you know what your sons and daughters are talking about when they are texting on their cell phone,or sending instant messages online? Learn the lingo, acronyms, and short hand parents need to know!  This presentation will be running continually on July 15th.

Preschool to Primary

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

There is always a lot on the go at Learning Grove, and June is no exception. We are busy preparing for our preschool graduation. Thirteen children will soon leave Learning Grove and start a new journey………..grade primary. Preschool graduation is a wonderful celebration of the milestones the children have reached to this point in their lives. The milestones and “firsts” do not stop here! They will go on to many exciting opportunities and challenges. We hope that they will continue to think for themselves, ask lots of questions, and embrace each other’s differences.