Stop by the library where local education and employment organizations are teaming up to connect residents to local services
Have you ever wanted to take the next steps in your education, sharpen up your resume, or even work on skills to get to the next level in your career path? If so, visiting the Gaynor Family Regional Library on Jan. 29 during the Adult Education Casual Information Drop-In is a great way to get information that will help you achieve whichever education or employment goal you are aiming for.
“We’re a group of organizations that are in Selkirk, and we provide adult education, and also help with employment opportunities. We just find that people are not aware of us, and also sometimes, the programs are changing and we’re adding things,” said Adele Plett Bartel, Program Coordinator at the Selkirk Adult Learning Program.
Because of the improvements and additions that these programs are bringing to the table, the eight participating organizations find it important that they reach out to the community with a casual information stop and chat event like this twice a year so that people can have the opportunity to chat with one or all of the organizations in person.
“An example of that, just two days ago, was I had someone come in, and she was interested in pursuing child care. The Adult Learning Center, not our program, but the other adult ed. program, has a high school course that is the first step to that, and that’s right here in Selkirk, and she had no idea about that,” said Plett Bartel.
Some programs might even have services that might surprise people. The Selkirk Adult Learning Program that Plett Bartel coordinates doesn’t just get people from pre-high school education to attending high school classes, but also has introductory technology classes.
She explained that with all of these organizations teaming up at the library at one time, it makes it easy for people to find the perfect fit for them.
“The nice thing with all of us there is sometimes people have a question, but we’re not the best ones to answer it. It’s the person at the table next to us. So, it’s just a really good opportunity, if people are looking for information and they may have some idea of what they want to do, but they’re still figuring it out,” said Plett Bartel.
It’s also a very low-stakes way to come in and ask questions, as none of the organizations expect people to make commitments and are just there to answer questions and provide info.
“This time round, it will be at the library again, but we’ve had it in the theatre room other years, and this time we’re going to have it in the hallway,” said Plett Bartel.
She’s hoping that this change of venue will allow more people who are coming through the library to notice their tables and ask questions.
“We’re trying to find ways of getting more people (to chat). We’re just trying to be more accessible,” she said.
The event takes place on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a little bit different than previous events of this sort, which took place in the afternoon and evening. Since they’ve hosted events at those times of day before, they wanted to try one in the morning.
“We’re just trying to make it easier for people. I believe there’s different family and kids programming on that morning, and a number of people will be just coming through the building anyhow, so it’s not an extra trip for them. We’ve been moving it around a little, just trying to reach as many people as possible,” she said.
Participating organizations include:
- AIM for Work
- Regional Connections
- LSEC Adult Learning Centre
- Selkirk Employment Services
- Training and Employment Services
- Red River College Polytechnic
- Selkirk Adult Learning Program (SALP)
- Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)
Plett Bartel explained that right from pre-high school education through high school, post-secondary and into the job market, there are options for people wanting to take their next steps.
It’s important that we have these resources available locally as, though many students make it through to the level of education they want or employees are happy where they are in their jobs, there are also times where, because of life circumstances, people don’t make it as far as they’d like to get. Because it can be more difficult to complete these goals when also balancing adult responsibilities, these programs that are tailored to adults and don’t require people to travel to Winnipeg are often great fits.
Plett Bartel said that bringing your personal information might be helpful if you’d like to register for a program in person, but that they are also planning to give out handouts so that people can take information with them and consider their options, so people can come as they are to this event.
“I would say just show up. We have handouts,” she said.
Plett Bartel explained that you don’t even have to be attending for yourself to get resources. She’s had people attend to grab info for friends and family members, and they are willing to share resources if people want to pass info along as well as talk to adults interested for themselves.
“If you’re employed and you’re looking to change what you’re doing, looking for options. If you are looking to go back to school. If you have these goals and dreams, maybe now is the time to follow through on those. (There’re resources for) people who are at a variety of places. There’s also some things for newcomers. We know that Selkirk has newcomers. So again, just connect with our local organizations and, if we can’t directly help you with what you’re looking for, maybe we can refer you to another agency or place that can help you. I think this is just a rich resource in one spot,” she said.
Plett Bartel hopes that residents stop by and take advantage of this great opportunity.
“It’s just that first step. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just stop by and talk to somebody and see if you can get started on your goals,” she said.
