Portage la Prairie youth have access to new opportunities this summer through the Manitoba Youth Job Centre’s local services.
The program helps young people gain employment skills and first work experience, making it easier to find jobs now and down the road.
Helping youth prepare for the workforce
Anna Nikkel, Youth Engagement Leader based out of Morden, serves Portage la Prairie and surrounding communities.
She notes the program runs from May to August and provides assistance with resumes, cover letters, mock interviews, and job searching.
“Our odd job squad program provides 13- to 16-year-olds with casual supervised first work and volunteer experiences looking to gain hands on career related skills,” Nikkel says. “Some examples of events that we’ve hosted in the past include freezing sales, car or window washes, and strawberry picking.”
Building experience for first-time job seekers
Nikkel adds that gaining early work experience is a major hurdle for young job applicants.
She continues, “Many students who have used our services in previous years have had a better chance of being considered for employment since they’ve developed professional resumes with demonstrated experience.”
The program’s community focus allows youth in Portage la Prairie to participate in group sessions and odd job squad events aimed at skill-building and career development.
Get involved this summer
Youth interested in the program can reach out to Nikkel directly to express interest and receive intake and parental consent forms.
She remarks, “These forms do require their social insurance number, so if they don’t have one, they can visit Service Canada.”
For more information or to get involved, Portage youth and families can contact Anna Nikkel, Youth Engagement Leader for Western and Northern Manitoba, at the Manitoba Youth Job Centre.
She can be reached by phone at (204) 870-2945 or by email at Annabella.Nikkel@gov.mb.ca.
The office is located at 1-160 Stephen Street in Morden.
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