Job Specific Skills Training Package

Transcription

1 Job Specific Skills Training Package Updated November 2016 Name: Employment Counsellor: Employment Support Services Social Services Division Ontario Works Sudbury

2 Contents Is this Your Opportunity for a Future of Employment and Independence?... 3 STEP #1 Field Search Guide Labour Market Information Job Information Employment Contacts... 7 Employment Contacts Employer # Employment Contacts Employer # Employment Contacts Employer # Job Specific Skills Training Program/Course Information Program Provider # Program Provider # Other Sources of Funding STEP #2 Required Documentation STEP #3 Résumé Guidelines STEP #4 Letter of Request for Training Sample Letter of Request for Training STEP #5 Training Request Form STEP #6 Self Assessment of Training Request Concluding Statements P a g e

3 Is this Your Opportunity for a Future of Employment and Independence? This may be your best opportunity to get off of Ontario Works? By completing this package, you may be eligible for training dollars which you don t have to pay back. Many have experienced the challenge of paying back a student or personal loan for years after they have completed a course. Completing the following pages may be your key to getting off of assistance. If you are willing to put in the hours of research and preparation, you may be selected to have your training costs covered. Because of limited funding, not everyone can be approved. Clients who are most likely to complete their training and secure employment will be given priority. Maximize your chances by reading through this whole package before you fill in the blanks. Familiarize yourself with the information requested and do your homework. You may want to keep the following points in mind before you begin: Include all training costs. This includes but is not limited to the costs of tuition, books, supplies, materials and equipment; Courses cannot be longer than 52 weeks. Your course can be a few weeks or even a few months long up to a maximum of 52 weeks; Other potential funding must be accessed first. This may include Service Canada funding (i.e Second Career, OSAP or other funding). Ontario Works must be your last option; Completed packages must be returned to your Employment Counsellor no later than 4 weeks before the start of your course. Some exceptions may be considered. All areas of your package must be completed in order for your request to be considered. In addition, points will be awarded if you can provide confirmation of a guaranteed job, a grade 12 diploma or equivalency, references and other information. Other factors will be considered such as a recommendation from your Case worker, Employment Counsellor or other community agency. Completing this package will take time and effort. Are you to do what it takes to secure training which will lead to employment? A comprehensively completed package may be the beginning of free training, a brighter future, and an opportunity to begin your road to independence. 3 P a g e

4 1. Labour Market Information STEP #1 Field Search Guide This section will give you an idea of the employment opportunities available in your community. Now that you have established a job goal, you can now focus on the skills and training you need. Labour market information can be gathered in various methods. Review online job sites, the Job Bank, Kijiji, newspapers, employer web sites and business journals for various articles relating to the labour market. What companies are expanding? What skills are in demand? Reviewing job postings will provide consistent information about experience and education required by employers. Talk to employers or other sources who work in your field of interest to find out about possible opportunities. Talk to your Employment Counselor about tips and information which may help identify what jobs are available and what you need to be successful. What is your Job Goal? 4 P a g e

5 What are the current and future job opportunities in the field you have chosen? (Attach job ads, postings, newspaper articles, etc related to the labour market) 2. Job Information This section will give you an idea of the nature of the work that interests you. You will know the benefits and disadvantages of the occupation and in what areas compromise might be required in order for you to succeed in this position. Attach a separate sheet of paper with more information if required. Speak to people who are working in the field of work you are interested in to get an idea of the working conditions, entry level requirements, and salary. Job descriptions can often be obtained on the internet. You may also obtain information concerning the occupation online by visiting the Government of Canada National Classification Codes (NOC) ( Describe the duties of the job you have chosen. 5 P a g e

6 What are the physical demands of this job? (ie. Lifting, long shifts, long periods of standing on feet etc) What is the salary range for this job? What are the requirements for the job? (ie. Experience, education, skills, licenses, certifications, no criminal record, etc) What are the working conditions and hours of work? 6 P a g e

7 3. Employment Contacts You must telephone or visit a minimum of three employment contacts working in your field of interest to get more information about job opportunities. Attach a separate sheet of paper with more information if required. Below are suggested questions to ask your employment contacts. Suggested Questions to Ask Employment Contacts In your opinion, what are the educational and skill requirements needed to be able to work as a? I am thinking about taking a training program in at. Could you tell me if this is a suitable program in order to work as a for your company? In your opinion, is your company intending to continue hiring people with this type of training? As someone in the field, do you have any advice to give me regarding the occupation (ie. Personality requirements, skills needed, assets preferred, tips on how to market myself)? Do you know of anyone else that would be willing to talk to me about this? Can I tell him/her that you thought it may be a good idea for me to contact them for more information? Tips - Prepare your questions before calling or meeting someone - Talk to someone who can give you the information you need - Ask if it is an appropriate time to speak to them. Inform the person you are talking to that you are not calling for a job but are calling to get some information regarding a certain occupation. - Remember to express your appreciation for the information. You may want to send a quick letter, of appreciation and thanks. This may be your future employer! 7 P a g e

8 Employment Contacts Employer #1 Company Name: Contact Person/Title: Phone Number: Date of Contact: Information Provided (Include Questions & Answers): Employment Contacts Employer #2 Company Name: Contact Person/Title: Phone Number: Date of Contact: 8 P a g e

9 Information Provided (Include Questions & Answers): Employment Contacts Employer #3 Company Name: Contact Person/Title: Phone Number: Date of Contact: Information Provided (Include Questions & Answers): 9 P a g e

10 4. Job Specific Skills Training Program/Course Information This section will help you to identify training options to help you obtain the skills you need to get the job in the field you have chosen. You will need to gather and compare information, including costs, from two different training providers. Please complete the forms on the next pages or attach information to this package. This information will give you: - A better awareness of the type of course and programs available to help you get the skills you need - The requirements for each program - The degree of difficulty you can anticipate and what adjustments might have to be made in your life in order to succeed with your goal (i.e. child care arrangements, transportation) The training you choose should help you get a job! Tips Training providers are not all the same. Some have more experience and expertise in certain areas. - Go to the school and speak to a counselor or instructor about the program/course. - Don t just take their word that the training will help you get a job. Ask the school about their success rate in helping past graduates get jobs. If they have a good record, they should be willing to put their success in writing. 10 P a g e

11 - Look for training providers that have good contacts with the actual companies and businesses that hire their graduates. - Find out the qualifications of instructors. Have they worked in this area in the past? - Sit in on a class in the program that interests you to see what it is like. - What kind of support services will they provide to you to help you succeed? - Are there additional costs after the training is completed to obtain employment (ie. tools, supplies?) Program Provider #1 Name of Program/Course Training Provider Telephone Number Full Address Contact Person Start Date: End Date: Is a Work Experience Placement Included in the Training? Yes No If Yes, the Number of Weeks Hours of Class Time: Admission Requirements (ie. educational, license, certification, medical test, entrance exam, etc) Tuition Costs Other Costs (ie.books, materials, other tools etc) Class Size: Percentage of Past Graduates Employed in Their Field After Completing Training After Training Costs: (ie. tools, supplies, licenses, etc) 11 P a g e

12 Additional Information: Program Provider #2 Name of Program/Course Training Provider Telephone number Full Address Contact Person Start Date: End Date: Is a Work Experience Placement Included in the Training? Yes No If Yes, the Number of Weeks Hours of Class Time: Admission Requirements (ie. educational, license, certification, medical test, entrance exam, etc) Tuition Costs Other Costs (ie.books, materials, other tools etc) Class Size: Percentage of Past Graduates Employed in Their Field After Completing Training After Training Costs: (ie. tools, supplies, licenses, etc) 12 P a g e

13 Additional Information: 5. Other Sources of Funding This section will help you to identify other sources of funding for training opportunities prior to seeking funds from Ontario Works. There are several potential funding sources for training programs. You must contact these agencies to determine if you may be eligible for funding. There may be situations where you can receive financial assistance from other sources and still receive assistance from Ontario Works. 1. Employment Ontario Yes No If no, reason ineligible? If yes, what was the result? Employment Ontario service providers include: 1. Sudbury Vocational Resources Centre Cedar Street, Sudbury, YMCA Employment & Career Services - 10 Elm Street, Sudbury, Employment Options 3183 Errington, Unit 5, Chelmsford location, Val Est Mall, Hwy 69 North, Val Caron, Lasalle Blvd, Unit F, Sudbury, P a g e

14 2. March of Dimes Canada Yes No 10 Elm Street, Sudbury, If no, reason ineligible? If yes, what was the result? 3. Ontario Students Assistance Program (OSAP) Yes No (Contact the training provider s financial aid office to determine if course is eligible for OSAP). You can check online at If no, reason ineligible? If yes, what was the result? 4. Ontario Special Bursary Yes No (Contact the training provider s financial aid office to determine if course is eligible for bursary) If no, reason ineligible? If yes, what was the result? 5. Gezhtoojig Employment & Training Yes No 117 Elm Street, Unit 102, Sudbury If no, reason ineligible? If yes, what was the result? 14 P a g e

15 6. Apatisiwin Employment and Training Program Yes No (Located in N Swakamok Friendship Centre), 110 Elm Street, Sudbury If no, reason ineligible? If yes, what was the result? Additional Information: STEP #2 Required Documentation In addition to the Field Search Guide (Step #1), you must also provide the following documentation for the program/course that you have selected: 1. Letter from training provider which includes: -Confirmation of your acceptance to the training course -Details of the admission requirements -The results of your pre-screening testing, entrance exam/screening (if applicable) -Course objectives and skills you will acquire -Information on certification you will receive and any tests or other requirements to obtain this certification -The registration fees/cost of tuition, books, certification, testing and other training expenses -Length of program with exact start date and end date (including placement if applicable) -Information about any placement opportunities, (if applicable) -Success rate of the training provider in helping past graduates to get jobs 2. A copy of the program outline obtained from the school or training provider with the learning objectives and listing the certificate(s) you will obtain when you complete the course 15 P a g e

16 3. A current résumé see Step #3 for résumé guidelines 4. Letter of request for training addressed to your Employment Counsellor see Step #4 5. Completed Training Request Form see Step #5 6. Verification of education -You may provide a copy of your transcript, high school diploma or diploma/degree from a post secondary educational institution. STEP #3 Résumé Guidelines Please include a copy of your current résumé with your request. If you don t have a résumé or if you need help revising an existing résumé, please speak to your Employment Counsellor. The Employment Support Services Resource Centre offers a number of resources and supports to assist you with your résumé. Contact your Employment Counsellor for more information. Note: Résumé worksheets are available. The résumé worksheet will help you to organize your information to assist in writing your résumé Your Employment Counsellor can assist and provide direction and feedback with résumé preparation. The Resource Centre also has several résumé writing books containing numerous examples of different résumé styles Tips for Résumé Writing There are 3 different styles of résumés for you to choose from: The functional résumé emphasizes your skills and achievements as they relate to the job that interests you and focuses on what you can do, rather than when you did it. This format is ideal for someone who wants to change careers and whose past experience is not directly related to their job objective, or for someone who has many skills. The chronological résumé places the emphasis on your work history. Lists more recent jobs and continues to your earliest job. This is an effective format when you have a continuous employment history and your past experience relates directly to the position applied for. 16 P a g e

17 The combination résumé uses both aspects. This format lists jobs from most recent to earliest AND highlights responsibilities and accomplishments within each job listed. The combination approach is effective when you have held several jobs with significant responsibilities and accomplishments. Most résumés should be one or two pages. Remember, the résumé is a sales tool, not an autobiography Put your strongest most sellable points first STEP #4 Letter of Request for Training Please include a Letter of Request for Training with your proposal addressed to your Employment Counsellor. The purpose of this letter is to be able to express in writing why you have chosen this training and how it will improve your chances of obtaining work. Your letter should summarize the findings from your research (Step #1). This is an opportunity to include any positive information which will support your request and demonstrate how well prepared and committed you are to achieving your goal. Your Employment Counsellor can assist you with any questions you may have in writing your letter. Your letter can be handwritten or computer generated. You may use the computers on the 7 th floor at Employment Support Services; however, no assistance from staff will be available for typing. The following points are recommended to be included in your letter of request. A sample letter is available on the next page and is only a guide. Your letter should be unique and tailored to your own experiences as they relate to the training. - State why you want to take this training and why it is a good choice for you - Link your relevant experiences and skills to your employment goal - Discuss how this training will enhance your possibilities for employment - Address all issues in regards to your file history that may be a barrier to approval for training (i.e. non-compliance, medical issues, education, lack of experience etc) - Make sure to mention the training program details such as course name and start date. 17 P a g e

18 Your Name Your Full Address Telephone Number Sample Letter of Request for Training Date Name of Employment Counsellor Address Dear Mr./Ms (Employment Counsellor) Re: Request for Training In the introductory paragraph: - State the purpose of the letter - Include the name of the program and institution where you want to take your - training - Provide the results from any admission requirements Describe in the next paragraph(s): - How your past experiences, skills, education and interests relate to this training and your objective - Include past education and training results to illustrate your ability to learn - If this training will give you a complete career change, discuss the positive aspects of this change and how you decided on this career In the closing paragraph - Discuss how the training will enhance your possibilities of employment and how it relates to your employment plan - Mention your commitment to this plan and the personal supports you have in place to support your efforts Sincerely, Signature & name 18 P a g e

19 STEP #5 Training Request Form Please complete the following form with information on the training you have selected. Your Name Caseworker Name OW Case ID: Employment Goal Program/Course Information Name of Program/Course: Name of Training Institution/School Contact Person Length of Program/Course (weeks): Next Available Start Date: Contact Phone Number # of Hours per Week: End Date: Is There a Placement as Part of the Training? Length of Placement in Weeks Program/Course Costs Tuition or Fees: Additional Costs (if not included in tuition or fees): Books $ Equipment/Tools $ Supplies $ Uniforms $ Other (specify) $ 19 P a g e

20 STEP #6 Self Assessment of Training Request This section will help you to ensure you have completed your Package thoroughly. Below is the information required by your Employment Counsellor which will be reviewed to determine if your request will be approved or not. Please review these criteria to make sure your package is complete and there is no missing information. If you have any questions, speak to your Employment Counsellor. Check off the boxes to determine if your Package is complete. Field Search Guide (Step #1) Is the following included or attached: Your job goal Labour Market Information about the occupation you want to work in (ie. job postings, advertisements, newspaper articles) Information from three to five employment contacts Comparison of two different possible training providers Identified other sources of funding Required Documentation (Step #2) A letter from the training provider A copy of the program outline Verification of education A Current Résumé (Step #3) Letter of Request for Training to your Employment Counsellor (Step #4) Completed Training Request Form (Step #5) 20 P a g e

21 Concluding Statements If you have checked off all the items on the above list, contact your Employment Counselor to arrange for an appointment to review your Package. If you are confident it is completed properly, you can mail it in or drop if off. Note: Your Employment Counsellor will need a minimum of 4 weeks to review your request and determine if you are eligible. If your course starts sooner, you may have to wait until the next available start date. Make sure to ask your Employment Counselor about other supports which may be available while taking your training (i.e. transportation costs, child care, clothing) Remember, an incomplete Package will jeopardize your chances for approval. All areas of your package must be completed in order for your request to be considered. Keep in mind, a point system is used to determine which clients are best suited for training. Because of limited training dollars, clients who receive the most points will be eligible for training monies. Good luck!! 21 P a g e