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Project Hire. (Supplied by Teamworks Career Centre)

Project Hire launches in Lethbridge to serve workers & employers

Oct 8, 2020 | 12:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Job seekers and employers are encouraged to take part in a new initiative from the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and Teamworks Career Centre.

Project Hire is funded by the Alberta Ministry of Labour and Immigration as well as the Government of Canada.

The intent is to get “unemployed Albertans transitioned to new work in the shortest time possible” and to support employers by providing financial support when training a new employee directly at the worksite.

“A strong economy is dependent on good jobs and a skilled workforce,” says Cyndi Vos, CEO of Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. “We are pleased to partner with Teamworks to invest in programs that help southern Alberta residents gain the skills they need to secure meaningful employment. A working Alberta is a healthy Alberta.”

The program provides eligible unemployed Albertans the chance to work one-on-one with a trained job coach and can access services such as:

  • Career coaching
  • Job search support
  • Resume and cover letter assistance
  • Interview preparation
  • Skills identification
  • Workplace supports
  • Labour market information
  • Occupational skills training opportunities

As well, Project Hire partners with employers who can provide individual-centered workplace training while receiving wage reimbursement to offset the cost of training people on-the-job.

In August 2020, 8.6 per cent of people in the Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region were unemployed while the provincial average was 11.8 per cent.

READ MORE: Unemployment rate at 8.6 percent in August for Lethbridge-Medicine Hat region

“Being unemployed can seem overwhelming, especially with the additional strain of COVID. At the same time, we are aware of local businesses who are struggling to find the required workforce to be successful,” says Ryan Miller, Director of Teamworks Career Centre.

“We believe this partnership of Teamworks’ expertise in job search, combined with the expertise and extensive network of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, is an ideal collaboration to support unemployed Albertans as they transition to new work and to assist employers by providing financial support when training a new employee directly at their worksite.”

More details on Project Hire can be found on the Teamworks website here.

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