Free skills training program open to high school students

If you're in Grades 10-12 and you want to gain some free skills training, check out YSTOP, the Youth Skills Training Opportunity Program, available through the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation in Kincardine.

Barb Fisher, general manager of Bruce Community Futures, says the program is open to 15-20 high school students and provides seven workshops at the Davidson Centre, two co-op placements at local businesses, and an awards ceremony.

The program is also available in the Saugeen and Wellington-Waterloo regions.

Registration closes Friday, March 24, and the workshops begin April 4.

Fisher says the workshops teach such skills as customer service, critical thinking, problem-solving, real-life math skills, communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and what to do once you actually succeed in getting a job.

“The classes run Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., from April 4 to May 9,” says Fisher. “Then the participants have two weeks (15 hours) of practical experience at a local business – which is a good opportunity to secure a summer job. And then May 30 is the graduation ceremony.”

She says it's similar to the “First-time full-time” program, offered through the Bluewater District School Board.

YSTOP is funded through FedDev which supports programs that provide opportunities for proper training, particularly for youth, says Fisher.

“This program focuses on the tools students need to get a job,” she says, “and gives them a better opportunity to get a job in their local community.”

Get experience. Be job-ready. Be life-ready.

For more information, visit the website at ystop.ca.