job specific skills training package

Job Specific Skills Training

Package

Updated November 2016

Name: Employment Counsellor:

Employment Support Services

Social Services Division Ontario Works Sudbury

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Contents

Is this Your Opportunity for a Future of Employment and Independence? ...................... 3

STEP #1 Field Search Guide .......................................................................................... 4

1. Labour Market Information ................................................................................. 4

2. Job Information .................................................................................................. 5

3. Employment Contacts ........................................................................................ 7

Employment Contacts Employer #1 ......................................................................... 8



4. Job Specific Skills Training Program/Course Information ................................ 10

Program Provider #1 .............................................................................................. 11

Program Provider #2 .............................................................................................. 12

5. Other Sources of Funding ................................................................................ 13

STEP #2 Required Documentation ............................................................................... 15

STEP #3 Résumé Guidelines ....................................................................................... 16

STEP #4 Letter of Request for Training ....................................................................... 17

Sample Letter of Request for Training ....................................................................... 18

STEP #5 Training Request Form .................................................................................. 19

STEP #6 Self Assessment of Training Request ........................................................... 19

Concluding Statements ................................................................................................. 21

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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.

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STEP #1 Field Search Guide

1. Labour Market Information

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?

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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)

(http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Welcome.aspx).

Describe the duties of the job you have chosen.

http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Welcome.aspx

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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?

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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, e-mail of appreciation and thanks. This may be your future employer!

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Employment Contacts Employer #1

Company Name:

Contact Person/Title:

Phone Number:

Date of Contact:

Information Provided (Include Questions & Answers):


Company Name:


Phone Number:

Date of Contact:

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Company Name:


Phone Number:

Date of Contact:


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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.

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- 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)

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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)

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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 - 124 Cedar Street, Sudbury, 705-671-2544

2. YMCA Employment & Career Services - 10 Elm Street, Sudbury, 705-674-2324

3. Employment Options –

3183 Errington, Unit 5, Chelmsford location, 705-855-1562

Val Est Mall, 14-3140 Hwy 69 North, Val Caron, 705-897-5627

1560 Lasalle Blvd, Unit F, Sudbury, 705-560-1562

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2. March of Dimes Canada Yes No

10 Elm Street, Sudbury, 705-674-3377



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 http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng_osap_main.html



4. Ontario Special Bursary Yes No

(Contact the training provider’s financial aid office to determine if course is eligible for

bursary)



5. Gezhtoojig Employment & Training Yes No

117 Elm Street, Unit 102, Sudbury 705-524-6772



http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng_osap_main.html

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6. Apatisiwin Employment and Training Program Yes No

(Located in N’Swakamok Friendship Centre), 110 Elm Street, Sudbury 705-674-2128




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

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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.

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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 7th 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.

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Sample Letter of Request for Training

Your Name

Your Full Address

Telephone Number

Email

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

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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 Contact Phone Number

Length of Program/Course (weeks): # of Hours per Week:

Next Available Start Date: 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) $

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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)

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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!!

job specific skills training package

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