Perfect match for employers, people

BY KIRK STARRATT

Kings County Register

When it comes to the Flower Cart's Partners in Employment (PIE) program, job developers are willing to do just about anything to help clients become more employable.

Headquartered across the street from Fritz's in New Minas, PIE job developer Juanita Dukeshire says the program, funded by Service Canada, involves clients or job seekers looking for entry-level positions. Clients could have low literacy skills or be someone who holds a university degree who suffered a brain injury.

They need to develop skills relating to resumes and job interviews, something Dukeshire is more than willing to help facilitate. She has even taken clients to buy rain gear and other equipment if they'll be working outdoors. “Anything to help someone become more employable,” she says.

Dukeshire says they ask employers to call either her or the other job developer, Monica Jackson, if they have jobs for clients. It can save employers time and money. Dukeshire has taken groups of clients to the winery in Grand Pre to pick grapes. The winery was appreciative because they didn't have to advertise for pickers.

Dukeshire meets with employers to find out what they're looking for. She usually tours the subject business, tries the job herself and completes an Occupational Health and Safety checklist. Sometimes the employer wants to meet the client in advance; sometimes a recommendation from PIE is all it takes.

Even casual employment for a day or so is of value, even though the goal is long-term employment. “We always encourage employment, no matter how long,” she said. “It could lead to a further recommendation for the client or the program.”

Clients of PIE, usually 21 years of age or older, procured a total of 98 jobs last year. Dukeshire says she has very good working relationships with several employers who call her every year. She'll sometimes do follow-ups with clients to address problems and challenges they may be facing.

Transportation is an issue for most clients. It's hard for some to access certain job sites, such as farms, if they're off the Kings Transit bus route. However, job sites don't have to be located along the Highway 1 corridor.

She said the Career Resource Centre has a different clientele but sometimes they will recommend people to the PIE program.

For more information, call (902) 681-2614 or visit www.nsnet.org/theflowercart.