A 12 Week Employability program for women

The Starting Point Program focuses on Group Development, including learning style identification, group dynamics, working with diversity, conflict resolution and communication and teamwork.

Components:

Life skills and Personal Development
Importance of self-esteem; anger, time and stress management, problem-solving, assertiveness, self-care and healthy living, managing change, values identification, and goal setting.

Introduction to Information to Technology
Introduction to basic computer components, operating systems, the Internet and e-mail, typing skills, word processing, posting resume, Internet job search.

Literacy and Numeracy Improvement
Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, numeracy, writing and presentation skills.

Employability and Career Planning
Resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, informational interview, transferable skills identification, labor market information, career goals identification.

Certifications offered:
First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, Super Host, Food Handlers

Information sessions held:
Women's Health, Mental Health, Addictions, Violence, Nutrition, Human Rights, Self-care, Peak Experiences Communications workshop, Personality Dimensions, Start Making Abilities Count (SMAC), Virtues, Food Mentors

Site visits attended
Nova Scotia Community College (Pictou Campus)
New Glasgow Library
Pictou County Women's Centre
Career Connections

Criteria for certificate of successful completion:

• Satisfactory attendance
• Positive and responsible attitude
• Completion of resume and cover letter
• Completion of two mock interviews
• Completion of two in-class presentations.