The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The job market can be awfully intimidating for young people just getting their feet wet. But fear not, as Amy Bradt of the Manitoba Youth Job Centre is here to lend a hand. She recently opened the doors to MYJC at the Service Canada Centre, offering assistance to young people in search of casual, part-time and full-time work this summer. 'The MYJC is designed to meet the employment needs of students and youth, as well as the needs of employers who have vacant positions to fill,' says Bradt. The cornerstone of the MYJC is its job referral service, which aims to fill jobs with top candidates as young as 12 and as old as 29. Bradt has both applicants and employers fill out forms to assist in the job-matching process. 'Only the most qualified candidates are referred (for jobs), and the employer always has the final hiring decision,' she says. Jobs can be as short-term as babysitting or mowing grass or as involving as a full-time position at a major employer. For the youngest job-seekers, those aged 12 to 16, Bradt will operate the Odd Job Squad. Squad members will take part in a variety of money-making ventures throughout the summer, with a carwash and barbecue among the possibilities. After each event is over, profits will go back to the young workers according to the number of hours they put in. Bradt is also available to help write resumes, conduct mock interviews and detail the tricks of the job-hunting trade. She has been busy meeting with local employers to explain the MYJC and its services. Then last week, with the groundwork for the summer laid, Bradt invited Mayor George Fontaine to cut a ribbon to officially open the MYJC. With school close to recessing for the summer, Bradt is ready to help all youth over 12 earn spending money and job experience. For more information, stop by the Service Canada Centre on Main Street, phone 204-687-1689 or e-mail amy.bradt@ gov.mb.ca.
