Seventeen people are ready for the workforce after finishing a program in Creighton.
The students were lauded Dec. 9 for completing the SIIT-SITAG JobFind Project, earning certificates of completion from teachers and volunteers.
The program, which ran from October to December, was run by the SIIT Creighton Work Prep Centre. The centre has held similar work preparation programs since opening past year, finding jobs for dozens of people in the process. Local and provincial representatives were in attendance.
Most of the graduating pupils attended the Victoria Inn Dec. 9 to receive their certificates in person. Several graduates in attendance had found work not long after leaving the program. In an ironic compliment to the program, several graduates were unable to appear at the ceremony because they were working new jobs.
Several speakers were on hand to congratulate the grads and offer career advice.
“Now the real work begins,” said work prep centre manager Myrna Ewing. “You will be presented with new challenges and adventures along your work journey. Stay strong and focused. Remember your skills and abilities and if you get stuck, ask for help. Don’t forget, we want to see you succeed.”
Tom McDermott, himself a graduate of a work prep centre program, also gave advice for the new workers.
“I know it’s hard,” said McDermott, referring to the program. “There’s distance involved. There’s commitment. You get up in the morning and think, ‘Is this worth it?’ When you’re done the program, you reflect. It is worth it.”
Graduating were Lawrence Ballantyne, Paul Bear, Delores Cook, Marie Patsy Genaille, Eldan Linklater, Chantelle McDermott, Arlene Merasty, Ashley Merasty, Brittany Merasty, Halie Morin, Roy Natewayes, Patrick Pettman, Candice Riehl, Georgina Sewap, Sheila Sewap, Aaron Snyder and Paul Willetts.
