College of the Rockies’ Creston campus will be holding a new program in January, aimed at providing innovative training and employment opportunities to increase the success of people with developmental disabilities.
The Transitions to Employment program will start on January 9, 2017 and run until June 23. Participants will learn the skills needed to prepare them to find and maintain employment.
Training includes interpersonal, organizational, problem solving and job readiness skills as well as computers, numeracy and oral and written communications. Students will also take part in employment-focussed training in first aid, personal safety, WHMIS and Foodsafe.
“Through the community consultation process in February, a need for programming for those with developmental disabilities was identified,” says Creston campus manager, Kim Garety. “We formed a working group with representatives from local non-profit societies, parents and caregivers, and Kootenay Employment Services to explore training opportunities that would provide individuals with disabilities with training that would support them in achieving a high quality of life and a sense of purpose within the community. The positive response to us offering this program has been overwhelming.”
Transitions to Employment is designed for college-age students with an identified and documented cognitive disability (developmental or learning). Those interested in participating can apply for one of the 12 available seats at the Creston College of the Rockies campus. Applicants will then take part in an assessment and interview process to determine suitability for the program.
In conjunction with Kootenay Employment Services, the program is working to secure workplace placement opportunities within the community for all participants. This type of hands-on learning makes up a significant portion of the program, enabling participants to gain real-world job skills and experience.
The Transitions to Employment program is made possible, in part, by a one-time, targeted investment of $75,000 from the Ministry of Advanced Education aimed at the development of programs and supports for students with disabilities.
“Our government is working with public post-secondary institutions such as the College of the Rockies to ensure that a disability is not a barrier to accessing high-quality education and training,” says Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson. “The Transitions to Employment Program at the Creston campus will help students with developmental challenges to learn the skills needed to succeed in the work place.”