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MATRIX 2.0 CATAPULTS PRINCETON YOUTH INTO THE WORKFORCE
MATRIX 2.0 CATAPULTS PRINCETON YOUTH INTO THE WORKFORCE
What happens when you put a group of eager youth wanting to make their mark in the world together with a trusted training facility and master job coach? Murky dreams get supported with clarified goals. Vague thoughts become focused ideas. Personal adventures and experiences get refined into assets on resumes in the form of skills. Add in the energy and enthusiasm of a room full of young people and you have a brilliant concoction blended for bright promise to appear on the horizon.
With funding through the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Post Secondary Education & Future Skills, the Princeton and District Community Skills Centre is pleased to offer an exciting, informative, and engaging program specifically for youth in the form of the NexGen Matrix 2.0 Employment Experience.
Participants in this program are coached, encouraged, and led by Leah Ward, their inclusive and engaged facilitator, who has vitalized the program into a living breathing beast meant to build confidence as a human first and a good employee second. The partnership team of Sharan Jung, Skills Centre Manager, and Ward went to bat for Princeton. They saw a need for our community’s youth to enter the workforce prepared and knew that the Princeton and District Community Skills Centre could design a top-quality program to do just that.
A careful and thoughtful grant application was crafted in response to a government call for proposals with consideration of barriers that can adversely affect the process leading to employment for today’s youth. And they pulled it off…
The Skills Centre was awarded a two-year contract for a youth employment-focussed program. Sleeves have been rolled up and the first two of five planned 8-week sessions of the program are freshly finished.
“After 25 years of experience in employment services delivery through a variety of program designs, we wanted Matrix 2.0 to level up on the training. That is why we included topics that are important to the new working generations. Topics like Civic & Social Responsibility, Understanding Tenancy Rights, Financial Literacy, Cultural Diversities in today’s workplace, Mental Health, Employment Law, and the Real Employment Experience. Of course, we explore resumes, interviews, communication, and the traditional modes of employment training, and now we have modernized the training content for today’s workplace,” stated Jung.
Cooperation through team building exercises, resume and cover letter refinement, emotional intelligence in the workplace, time management, professionalism, worker rights and employment standards, are just a few of the topics explored. The coverage of these important subjects, along with a slew of valuable certificates and wise presenters arm the clients with the knowledge and confidence to finish the intensive eight-week subsidized program employment ready with a clearer image of who they really are and where they are going.
This is no small feat. Ward is a wizard whose wand is 18 years as a job coach and whose cape is covered in oodles of education and experience as a certified career practitioner. She doesn’t sit at the front of the classroom droning on and on with Power Points. The youth are very much part of the molding of each day. Their very unique individual personalities are important to the overall flavour of the in-class time.
The program predicts “More than 3,000 people between 16 and 29 in B.C. will benefit during the next two years from skills training and employment as part of a collaborative effort of the governments of British Columbia and Canada.”
“Young people are the future and we need to ensure they have access to the skills training for Canada’s growing economy,” said Randy Boissonnault, federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “This funding is just one component of our work with the Government of British Columbia to provide training, education and opportunity to anyone entering the workforce, and connect thousands of young people across B.C. with new job opportunities and career growth.”
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023PSFS0067-001936
Locally, Mayor Spencer Coyne had nothing but good things to say about Princeton’s Matrix 2.0. “I think the program is amazing. When I was younger that program probably would have been one I would have taken. When I was around their age, it was the community that helped me…a few key people that had a huge impact on the trajectory of my life and I probably wouldn’t be where I am without them. Now I feel a duty to care and give back. When I see a program like Matrix, I see it as my obligation to stand up and assist.”
The youth were linked to community in another very personal way. Matrix 2.0 made it their mission to embed Truth & Reconciliation learnings into the program. Residential school survivor, Donna Ross, shared her very personal journey with participants and she was not alone. Others eagerly contributed, including well known local Tip Anderson who generously brought his humour, kindness and knowledge forth as soon as he heard he could help. In preparation for National Indigenous People’s Day, a community shout out was made for volunteers. The youth from Matrix assisted in setting up a teepee and one considerate youth even guarded it overnight. Relationships were forged with the Vermilion Metis Society and other community leaders passionate about indigenous education. Network building, knowledge gathering and understanding from listening and learning amplified the teachings.
The second group of youth in the Matrix program had the opportunity to see an example of Corporate, Civic and Societal Responsibility in person when they were invited to the cheque presentation between Canada Post and Princeton Leaders for Literacy. Canada Post’s Director of Operations BC Interior & Yukon, Karen Plessis, handed over $18,500 for a project in Veterans Square available through their Foundation and envisioned by Princeton Leaders for Literacy. “We were pleased to have this group of young people join us as we presented the cheque. We want people in our communities to know about our Foundation and apply for the grant. The more people that know about it the more deserving groups we can help.”
Another invaluable local presenter has been Suzanne Holland, Branch Manager of Valley First Credit Union, who brought her professional spin on financial literacy into the classroom. She spent two days with the program participants of each session going over some of the crucial components of personal finances that can make or break their future. Budgeting, how to get a good credit score, how to build credit, good vs. bad loans, credit cards, types of bank accounts, filing taxes and a little bit about investing are amongst the topics under the microscope. “Instilling a solid foundation of financial literacy in our youth is such an important element in setting them up for life success, and, on a larger scale, building strong and sustainable communities,” said Holland. “I’ve seen firsthand the value financial literacy can have in people’s lives and delivering these workshops was such a rewarding experience —the engagement and openness of the participants was fantastic!”
For youth stepping out into the job market having increased financial skills can give them a boost above someone else. As a direct result of Holland’s workshops, participants have been brave enough to sort out their overdue taxes, advocate for themselves to claw back bank charges, and open high interest savings accounts. Matrix 2.0 is making an almost immediate difference just through the presenters and certifications. The confidence, sharp resume and new knowledge are the pieces that connect the job search puzzle together into a feasible employment reality. Participants are leaving the program and going to work armed with a shiny dossier and faith in themselves.
There have been a number of quality local business people come in on their own time and either have a coffee talk or do some sort of presentation or workshop with the Matrix participants. The community has bought in to the program and they want to help. “We all need help sometimes,” said another presenter Arone Sheriland who worked his way up through Telus and now works remotely here in Princeton. “If something I say resonates with one of the participants and helps them in some small way that makes me happy.”
Tanya Lawes owner of Lawes Forest Management, Susan Coristine a retired lawyer, Shelby Maynard an international fashion talent, Jenny Pedwell and Leo Bice from Princeton Family Services Society and several professionals from the mental health profession are among those who went above and beyond to impact the participants with their words “It is a gift to be invited into young people’s lives in their career journey and an honor to work alongside of them,” noted Ward. “This program really is a bridge between where our youth have been and where they would like to go. If we can provide this stopover and help with the navigation to get these bright souls to their next steps, we can help them discover that there is a world of opportunities waiting for their exploration. They can leave their limiting belief bags behind and take a new path. It is so cool helping them discover their best selves!”
If you have a youth who has not connected to the world of work or is in between and exploring, send them the way of the Princeton Skills Centre’s Matrix 2.0 Youth Employment Program. Connect with Leah Ward at the Princeton Skills Centre through email: jobcoach@princetoncsc.com or call us at: 250-295-4051.
#stigma Bell Lets Talk 2024-
Stigma
Although one in three Canadians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, many
don’t seek out the treatment or support they need because of fear of stigmatization.
Stigma includes both a negative attitude and the physical act of discrimination that results from
the negative bias. Stigma means thinking less of a person because of their condition.
Stigma can make people feel unwanted and ashamed. It is often harder to deal with than the
illness itself.
Stigmatization of mental illness may interact with other forms of stigma related to social identities,
such as race, gender and sexuality. Stigma is especially difficult for people living with these conditions
because it can create barriers to accessing necessary social and structural supports. This can result in
further experiences of stigma (Jackson-Best & Edwards, 2018).
Addressing Stigma:
These are some ways to talk about mental illness, show your support and help those who are facing
mental health challenges seek help:
• Be kind: Small acts of kindness make a big difference.
• Educate yourself: Learn about and talk more about
the signs of mental illness.
• Language matters: Pay attention to the words you
use about mental health and illness.
• Listen and ask: Sometimes, it’s best to just listen.
• Talk about it: Start a dialogue and break the silence.
Stigma is…
- Stigma = negative attitudes (prejudice) + negative responses (discrimination)
- Stigma means thinking less of a person because of who they are
- Stigma can make a person feel unwanted and shamed and can prevent people from seeking help
Ways to stop stigma:
✓Treat everyone with respect
✓Be warm, caring and nonjudgmental
✓Challenge stigma when you see it
✓Be mindful of the language you use
✓Learn the facts about mental health and mental illness
✓Help raise awareness about mental health
Bell Let’s Talk: Jan 24th, 2024
Bell Let’s Talk Day Workplace Initiatives | 2024
Join us in championing mental health with Bell Let’s Talk Day initiatives. Discover impactful strategies to enhance workplace wellbeing, foster a supportive culture, and empower your team. At the Princeton Skills Centre we just love FREE resources for our Communities!
Bell Lets Talk Tools and Resources
What is Bell Let’s Talk Day?
Bell Canada made Let’s Talk to reduce the stigma around mental illness, Canada’s biggest business commitment to mental health.
For every hashtag #BellLetsTalk on social media platforms, phone call, or text, Bell will donate 5 cents in support of mental health programs. Bell Let’s Talk recently revealed the 115 beneficiaries of its 2023 Community Fund, allocating $2 million in grants to various community-centered mental health groups.
How high do you think we can get this number in 2024?
When Is Bell Let’s Talk Day 2024?
Mark your calendars! Bell Let’s Talk Day is coming up on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Around this important date, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce mental health initiatives in your workplace. This is a pivotal time to demonstrate your commitment to mental health awareness and to show your employees that you stand with them in supporting this cause. Initiating these conversations and activities around Bell Let’s Talk Day sends a powerful message of support and understanding, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic work environment.
How Should My Company Support Bell Let’s Talk Day?
1. Set time aside to talk
One of the main reasons Bell Let’s Talk day is so important is because it starts the conversation about mental health. Whether you’re a mentor or manager, everyone in an organization can help end the stigma associated with mental health. Depending on the size of your organization, have groups set aside time during the day to simply communicate.
Remember, nobody has to open up about their deepest darkest secrets and thoughts in these conversations! But, provide a comfortable space where your employees feel comfortable enough to share more about their lives.
Here are some conversation starters:
- “What does ending the stigma mean to you?”
- “This weather change has taken a toll on my mood lately. How are you folks feeling?”
- “What have been the largest stressors in your life in the last 4 weeks? How can I help you?”
- “How can I help make your work experience more enjoyable?”
These questions can get the dialogue going and make your team feel more at ease.
It can often be helpful to express an aspect of your personal life to get the conversation flowing. This shows employees that the space is safe to be vulnerable in. Again, it doesn’t need to be anything too deep to inspire conversations, a personal story such as, “I really used to struggle with Sunday-night anxiety about work. I would start answering emails on Sunday afternoon just to ‘get ahead,’ but that really prevented me from getting rest and balance over the weekend. Now I remove my email from my phone all weekend and remind myself how important it is to have space from work. Does this happen to anyone else?” can go a really long way.
2. Offer Corporate Wellness Sessions On Mental Health
Addressing employee mental health is often a neglected aspect in the corporate world, but it’s a crucial one. At the Skills Centre, we’re committed to changing this narrative every single day. We understand that the pressures of work and life can be overwhelming, and that’s why we want to share a diverse range of resources designed for employees grappling with stress and anxiety. AS a grand community advocate and champion, we want to continue ensuring that every team, regardless of its unique needs and challenges, finds the perfect fit for its mental health and wellness journey.
We recognize that eradicating stress entirely from the workplace is an unrealistic goal. However, equipping employees with the right tools to manage stress can make a significant difference. By prioritizing employees’ wellness, a bit of time and energy, you are not only aiding your employees in managing their current stress levels but also proactively building a more resilient and mentally healthy workforce for the future.
Incorporating year-long initiatives and resources into your Bell Let’s Talk Day activities is more than just a one-day commitment; it’s a step towards cultivating a culture of continuous support and understanding within your organization. It’s about showing your employees that their mental health is a priority every day of the year.
3. Raise Money For Local Mental Health Organizations
Fundraising for local mental health organizations is a meaningful way to participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day. Encouraging your team to rally behind a cause not only contributes to a greater good but also strengthens the sense of community and purpose within your company. You can select an organization that resonates with your team’s values or has a personal connection to someone in your workplace.
There are numerous creative and engaging ways to fundraise: organize a cinnamon bun sale in the office, host a 5 km walk or run event, or arrange a group volunteer day with a local mental health organization. These activities are not just fundraising opportunities; they also offer a chance for team building and fostering a more cohesive and connected work environment.
Here’s a short directory of reputable Canadian mental health organizations that you could consider supporting:
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): One of Canada’s most established mental health organizations, CMHA offers a range of services and supports to those experiencing mental health issues.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): CAMH is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centers in the area of addiction and mental health.
Kids Help Phone:Offering 24/7 counseling and information services for young people, Kids Help Phone is an invaluable resource for youth in Canada.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada: Focused on providing support, education, and advocacy for those affected by mood disorders.
The Strongest Families Institute: This organization delivers evidence-based services to children and families seeking help for mental health and other issues impacting health and well-being.
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: Dedicated to offering support and resources to those suffering from anxiety disorders.
MindYourMind: An organization focused on young adults, providing resources and tools to help manage mental health and wellness.
Homewood Health: A leader in mental health and addiction services, providing a broad spectrum of care for individuals and families across Canada.
Bellwood Health Services:Specializing in addiction treatment and mental health recovery, offering a variety of programs and services.
Wellness Together Canada:A mental health and substance use support portal offering free online resources, tools, apps, and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.
By choosing to support these organizations, your company not only contributes to the betterment of mental health services and awareness in Canada but also reinforces the importance of mental wellbeing in your workplace culture. This Bell Let’s Talk Day, make a difference in the lives of many by aligning your company’s efforts with these noble causes.
4. Encourage Participation In Bell Lets Talk
There are many ways you and your employees can participate in Bell Let’s Talk Day! Engaging is easier than ever before. Encourage your team to use their smartphones and interact with the Bell Let’s Talk hashtags, filters, or frames on popular social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook.
In addition to digital engagement, consider hanging informative and supportive posters around your office. These can spark conversations and show your commitment to mental health awareness. These visual prompts can be powerful reminders and conversation starters, reinforcing the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Your employees are likely to use at least one of these social media apps during the day, so why not make it count for a good cause? For each interaction with Bell Let’s Talk content, Bell donates 5 cents to mental health initiatives. Rally your team to participate, whether it’s through digital engagement or thoughtful discussions sparked by the posters. Every action counts towards making a significant difference.
5. Bring Regular Mental Health Conversation Into The Office Year-Round
Do not let Bell Let’s Talk Day be the only time your office ever hears the conversation about mental health and vulnerability. Use the momentum created by this day to continue the conversation.
Try blocking off a small amount of time each month to continue this conversation with your employees. This will be beneficial to create an overall more open environment and help you understand your employee’s mental health.
6. Work On Expanding Your Employee’s Perspectives
Educate yourself and your employees on the myths around mental health. Take time to share new information revolving around this subject.
Are there any new good educational podcasts you can recommend for your employees? The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos is a strong option!
Commit to recognizing signs of stress in the workplace. Be present when checking in with your employees.
Make speaking about mental health a regular occurrence. Encourage your employees to share their thoughts and feelings, and be sure to empathize with them. Always continue learning and educating yourself and your employees.
Any of the actions spoken about in this blog can be held on any day, it does not have to be #BellLetsTalk day. Be the difference and make mental health a regular topic in your workplace. Collectively, we will be able to remove the stigma that follows mental health around.
Additional Resources For Teams:
Canadian Mental Health Hot-Lines:
Free and confidential mental health and substance use support is available 24/7.
Youth phone number: 686868
Adult phone number: 741741
Suicide Crisis Help Line: GET HELP 988.ca CALL or TEXT 988
The direct link is below:
The Skills Centre wants to be a part of a well and vital community. We believe that starts with open, stigma-free conversations about being real humans, who are imperfect and true.
We are Better Together Princeton and Area and remember, You are never alone… xox your friends at the Princeton Skills Centre.
As the season approaches…It’s a “Fine” time to ask better questions…
As the season arrives please note that this can be an especially tricky time of year for your co-workers, family, friends and community. As we improve our Mental Health Literacy and build better awareness, there are some examples of questions that you could be asking:
At the Princeton Skills Centre, we support a Culture of well-being and believe it’s up to everyone to have courageous wellness conversations. This holiday season, pay close attention to your colleagues, friends, and family… and do your best to listen for what is NOT being said.
From your friendly Skills Team;
Sharan, Leah, Elsie & Dierra
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation SEPT 30, 2023
The Princeton Skills Centre is proudly located on the unceded and traditional lands of the Syilx Okanagan Nation people and we are grateful to learn, work and build skills in community.
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
This federal statutory holiday was created through legislative amendments made by Parliament.
Wear orange
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
Commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Across the country, you can find open to public local activities organized to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. Here are a few examples.
To find more local events, we invite you to search online or contact the Indigenous organizations from your province.
Download our commemorative promotional resources and share how you will mark this day by using the hashtag #NDTR on social media.
Illuminating Parliament Hill
To commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to honour the Survivors, their families and communities, buildings across Canada will be illuminated in orange from September 30 at 7:00 pm to sunrise October 1. This will include federal buildings such as the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill.
Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023
APTN and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation present Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023, a 90-minute commemorative gathering. The multilingual event will be broadcast live from Parliament Hill, starting at 12 h 30 pm (ET) on APTN. Consult APTN’s September 30 programming.
Truth and Reconciliation Week
This bilingual educational program is open to all schools across Canada. All sessions will be held virtually, allowing classroom participation from across the country and the involvement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. From September 25-30, 2023, registration is required.
Mental health supports available
Former residential school students can call 1-866-925-4419 for emotional crisis referral services and information on other health supports from the Government of Canada.
Indigenous peoples across Canada can also go to The Hope for Wellness Help Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for counselling and crisis intervention.
Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat (Please use Google Chrome).
Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its calls to action
There were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada that operated between 1867 and 1996. Survivors advocated for recognition and reparations and demanded accountability for the intergenerational impacts of harm caused. Their efforts culminated in:
- the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
- apologies by the government
- the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- the creation of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission ran from 2008 to 2015 and provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the residential schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. The Commission released its final report detailing 94 calls to action. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a direct response to Call to Action 80, which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has become the permanent archive for the statements, documents and other materials the Commission gathered. Its library and collections, as well as its National Student Memorial Register, are the foundation for ongoing learning and research.
Join in the conversation
- Twitter: @CdnHeritage use the hashtag #NDTR
- Facebook: @CdnHeritage
- Instagram: @cdn.heritage use the hashtag #NDTR
The Princeton Skills Centre is proudly located on the unceded and traditional lands of the Syilx Okanagan Nation people and we are grateful to learn, work and build skills in the Similkameen Valley and be a vital part of community.
Why Hiring People with Disabilities Is Good For Business!!
The Challenge… A Labour Shortage:
By 2029 BC Employers will need to fill an estimated 861,000 job openings. BC has an “Untapped” labour pool of 614,630 of working aged British Columbians that currently have a disability.
Across BC this September the spotlight is being put on this valuable resource that is not only good for business, its just plain good. WorkBC services include customized employment services to create meaningful work as well as accessibility services providing access to any needed devices for working, and wage subsidies to open doors. If you are interested in partnering with WorkBC to provide access to work for persons with disabilities, you have access right in this community.
WorkBC is at the Princeton Skills Centre. Stop in, we’d love to see you. We are Rick Hansen Certified and our location is FULLY ACCESSIBLE!!
206 Vermilion Ave, Princeton BC V0X1W0
833-314-1043
centre-princeton@workbc.ca
THINKING about a new Career Direction? FREE AGENTS need apply!
Looking for a new direction? Tired of working with no purpose or connection to the world? Let’s work together to explore the world around us and how YOU could make an impact on our future! In a team environment, we will learn about workplace culture, develop personal resiliency skills, and navigate Careers that you’ll be inspired to explore! You will have access to a career and personal coach, and personalized training! A fully loaded coffee bar with incredible snacks, and free parking are just a few of the daily perks!
This is a program where WE PAY you! Yepp you got that right… I will pay you to attend and there’s a completion BONUS for those that rock a perfect attendance!
Join us for an all-inclusive paid employment program starting MAY 29th, 2023! We will dive into the Jobs of the future, and explore your strengths, and diverse abilities! Our Program is built exclusively for YOUTH aged 16-29! We encourage those interested to connect quickly as we only have 5 spots for this spring Intake! But if the timing isn’t on your side that’s alright, we will have 2 more in September 2023 and January 2024!
Let’s get at it!
Contact Leah or Dierra today!
250-295-4051 | jobcoach@princetoncsc.com
South Okanagan Labour Market News
Have a look at a Labour Market information newsletter for the South Okanagan.
Noteworthy Information:
Penticton Job Fair – March 9, 2023
Get Paid to Work and Train as Well: Health Care Access Program
Access the Newsletter here: South Okanagan WorkBC Labour Market News – February 8 2023
Work BC Self Employment Program
Do you want to manage your own career? Self-employment is an option for many people who want more independence or who are not finding the job they want in the employment market.
To succeed in self-employment, you need both skills and an entrepreneurial aptitude. Find out if self-employment could work for you: http://ow.ly/2FOG50Kj5KT
Interested in learning more about the WorkBC Self-Employment Program?
Reach out to Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen:
250-493-2566 1-877-493-5566
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