Happy Canada Day

The YWCA Employment & Learning Centre will be closed today to celebrate Canada Day!

We will re-open Tuesday at 8:30 am.

Quote of the Week

Saskatoon Bus Routes Change

We are advised that some Saskatoon Bus routes/schedules will be changing.  Information below.... Route Adjustments, effective June 30 2013   Transit Route Adjustments Starting June 30, 2013 Saskatoon Transit is committed to providing the best possible transit service to Saskatoon residents, and to operating as efficiently as possible. To achieve this goal, as of June 30, 2013, Saskatoon Transit will be making a number of adjustments to specific City of Saskatoon transit routes including: ROUTE 11   EXHIBITION VIA SASK CRESCENT/MAYFAIR                    Download the new schedule hereROUTE 14   NORTH INDUSTRIAL/CITY CENTRE                    Download the new schedule hereROUTE 28   WILLOWGROVE SQUARE/FOREST GROVE/UNIVERSITY                    Download the new schedule here ROUTE 40   AIRPORT/DOWNTOWN                    Route no longer in service ROUTE 70   LAWSON HEIGHTS/SILVER SPRING                    Download the new schedule here ROUTE 80   SILVERWOOD/KENDERDINE                    Download the new schedule here ROUTE 90   SUTHERLAND/LAKEWOOD                    Route no longer in service The following new route is being added: ROUTE 12  AIRPORT                   Download the schedule here Click here to access the full Saskatoon Transit Guide to June 30, 2013 Route Adjustments. The information contained in this guide explains the changes to each of the routes listed above, and provides detailed route maps. For more information contact Saskatoon Transit at 306-975-3100. Or check out this link for more details:

http://www.saskatoon.ca/DEPARTMENTS/Utility%20Services/Saskatoon%20Transit/Pages/NewDirectRoutes.aspx

Morning Mixer Pancake Breakfast Thursday July 11

RSVP by July 9 to Christine at 306-244-7034 ext 154

or CFlynn-James@ywcasaskatoon.com

PROTECTION FOR LATE NIGHT RETAIL WORKERS

Government of Saskatchewan has introduced  new regulations to provide additional protections for workers in late night retail premises providing service between the hours of 11 PM and 6 AM.

The regulation:

• requires employers to conduct a workplace hazard assessment consistent with an approved industry standard and
•  introduces specific requirements to protect all workers in these premises that include:

          - Safe cash handling procedures;
          - The use of video camera equipment; and
          - Visibility and signage requirements.
           - And, for those workers who work alone:
                   - Procedural implementation of a check-in system; and,
                   - Personal emergency transmitter devices for individual workers.

For more information, please view the Interpretive Guide - Bill 23 Amendments to The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993.

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GED News Release from Government of Saskatchewan

SASKATCHEWAN FIRST IN CANADA TO OFFER COMPUTERIZED TESTING FOR GED®

Success on the GED test is now just clicks away for adult learners in Saskatchewan.  In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the province with a high school credential and basic technology skills, Saskatchewan is partnering with GED Testing Service to now offer the GED test on computer.  The province is the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer the new testing format.

“We are delighted to bring the new computer-based testing format to our GED students,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said.  “The new computer-based testing method provides a quicker and perhaps a more successful means to pursue the skills development necessary to participate in the province’s work force and build a rewarding life and career.”

“We’re looking forward to introducing computerized GED testing at all SIAST locations,” SIAST President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said.  “Ultimately, both learners and employers will benefit from a more efficient GED testing process – the first group from a speedier transition into post-secondary, and the second from access to a more highly educated work force.”

Since last year’s launch in the U.S., more than 40,000 computerized GED tests were delivered across 43 states with positive results for test takers.  GED Testing Service found that adults who tested on computer had an 88 per cent pass rate compared to 71 per cent for those who tested on paper.  In addition, adults who tested on computer completed their exams in five-and-half-hours compared to just over seven hours on paper.  Adults who tested on computer were also 59 per cent more likely to retake a failed test and remain in the GED testing program.

“Moving the GED test to computer helps adults demonstrate necessary basic technology skills and makes their testing process easier and more efficient,” GED Testing Service President Randy Trask said.  “We are so pleased that Saskatchewan is our partner in this important endeavor.”

Several new services will streamline the testing process and benefit adult learners who often need to move very quickly into jobs or training programs.  These benefits include:

• Online scheduling and registration that is available 24/7;
• More testing flexibility for test takers as they can choose when and where to take their test;
• Instant unofficial score reports; (faster results mean adults can apply for jobs or immediately begin studying if they need to retake a subject area); and
• Enhanced test security.

The computerized test will initially be offered at SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina and is expected to be available in all testing centres across the province by January 2014, with some transitioning in the coming months.  The GED test on computer is the same test currently offered on paper and pencil.  The test is administered in person at an official GED testing centre and is not available online.

Since 1970, more than 70,000 Saskatchewan adults have earned their GED Grade 12 Equivalency Diploma.  For adults interested in taking or learning more about the GED test on computer please visit www.economy.gov.sk.ca/ged.

About GED Testing Service

The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942.  Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all North American colleges and employers.  As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma.  Visitwww.GEDcomputer.com for more information.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca 

Armando Diaz
GED Testing Service
Phone: 202-471-2157
Email: armondo.diaz@gedtestingservice.com

YWCA Adult Learners Write the GED Exams June 18/19

The GED Exams are Tuesday and Wednesday June 18/19 from 4:30 pm to 10 pm in Room 422A SIAST Kelsey Campus.

http://www.economy.gov.sk.ca/ged-testing-dates-in-sk

Students must present the original copy of the letter confirming your approval to write received from the Ministry and photo ID at the examination time. 

The exams are administered on a first come first served basis.  SIAST advises to arrive half an hour early to ensure a space.  The YWCA Saskatoon recommends arriving an hour early.

There will be approximately 7 ½ hours of testing over the two evenings.

The GED Exam is a five part, multiple choice and essay exam which tests:

• Language Arts - Writing
• Language Arts  - Reading
• Social Studies
• Science
• Mathematics.          

The GED exam tests intellectual maturity as opposed to the ability to recall specific facts in a given subject area.  Many of the test questions measure the adult’s general ability to evaluate on the basis of given information, synthesize and then draw conclusions.

Good luck to all YWCA Saskatoon writers.

http://www.economy.gov.sk.ca/ged/prepare

SASKATCHEWAN’S Top Employers

I always encourage job seekers to do research as part of their job search process. And that would include research on how well employers treat their employees.  A tool job seekers may wish to use is the SASKATCHEWAN’S Top Employers guide.

The SASKATCHEWAN’S Top Employers guide a joint venture between Postmedia Network Inc. and Mediacorp Canada Inc. is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the Saskatchewan employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

Employers are evaluated by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers using the same eight criteria as the national competition: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

The 2013 winners were announced in a special newspaper supplement published in the Leader-Post and The StarPhoenix on February 6, 2013.  Download a pdf of the supplement at: http://www.canadastop100.com/sk/sk2013.pdf

The 2013 Winners in alphabetic order re:

Alliance Energy Inc.

Cameco Corporation

Co-operators Life Insurance Company

Information Services Corporation

ISM Canada

Mosaic Company, The

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan

Prairie North Regional Health Authority

Prince Alberta Parkland Heath Region

Ranch Ehrlo Society

Saskatchewan Government Insurance

Saskatchewan Public Service

Saskatoon, City of

Saskatoon Regional Health Authority

SaskPower

SaskTel

Solveral Solutions

University of Regina

University of Saskatchewan

For more information on SASKATCHEWAN’S Top Employers guide visit their website at: http://www.canadastop100.com/sk/

  

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Financial Assistance for Students - Saskatchewan

The Province of Saskatchewan provides financial assistance and support programs are intended to encourage and assist students to participate in post-secondary education.
Saskatchewan also provides support to students from low income families and disadvantaged groups to participate in education and training programs too.
 Last year, over $48 million went to assist students with their education goals, with nearly two-thirds of that money being non-refundable. With the right skills and training, students can build a great career (and a great life) anywhere in the province.

See how from the programs below:

Student Loans
The Canada-Saskatchewan Integrated Student Loans Program offers a needs-based supplement to your existing resources to help you fund your education.

 Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants
 Information is available on non-repayable funding through scholarships, bursaries and grants.

Graduate Retention Program (GRP)
You may be eligible to receive a tax credit of up to $20,000! The GRP provides a rebate up to $20,000 of tuition fees paid by eligible graduates who live in Saskatchewan and who file a Saskatchewan income tax return.

Graduate Tax Benefit Programs
From 2000-2007, the Government of Saskatchewan had two previous graduate tax benefit programs for graduates from post-secondary programs.

Provincial Training Allowance (PTA)
PTA provides grant funding to assist with the costs of living for low income adult students enrolled full-time in basic education, workforce development programs or quick skills training which are not eligible for student loan funding.

Skills Training Benefit (STB)
The objective of the Skills Training Benefit program is to assist clients who are EI eligible to return to the labour market as quickly as possible and to improve their employability.

For more information see this link: http://www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/student-financial-assistance

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Meet and Greet First Student

Generation Jobless

“There was a time when a university degree assured you of a good job, good pay and a comfortable life. Not anymore. Today, the unemployment rate for young people in this country is close to 15% - double that of the general population. But the real crisis is the increasing number of university and college grads who are underemployed – scraping by on low-paid, part time jobs that don’t require a degree. Although there are no official statistics in Canada, it’s estimated that after graduating, one in three 25 to 29 year olds with a college or university degree ends up in a low skilled job. And to make things worse, 60% graduate with an average debt of $27,000.00 Mired in debt, and working in dead end jobs, their launch into adulthood is being curtailed. Some call them “the lost generation”. But, it’s not only young people who may be lost. If the next generation fails to gain a toehold into the economy , who’ll buy boomer’s houses?  Who’ll pay for social programs? Youth unemployment and underemployment is a ticking time bomb with serious consequences for everyone.

The reality is that today’s twenty-something’s are entering an economy in the throes of a seismic shift where globalization and technology are transforming the workplace. Automation is replacing tens of thousands of jobs at a time. Companies fixated on the bottom line are outsourcing jobs and wherever possible getting computers to do the work. Employers are placing a higher premium on experienced workers, unwilling to invest in training new entrants to the workforce. So, young people are caught in a catch 22. How do you get experience if no one will hire you without it? Many are working for free as unpaid interns, just to try and get their foot in the door. And, for the first time in history youth are facing another unique challenge – competition with their parent’s generation for the small pool of jobs that do exist.

By all accounts the problem is only going to get worse. Especially since the key players in Canada – universities, employers and governments – are not working together to find a solution. Canada is the only country in the world without a national body responsible for education and is seen as one of the most decentralized and fragmented countries in the world when it comes to helping young people make a smooth entry in to the world of work.”

More Information: http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episode/generation-jobless.html

Saskatoon Mothers’ Centre

ATTENTION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR PARENTS Clients
 

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Saskatoon Mothers’ Centre* in its new space on the 2^nd floor of Station 20 West.  This service invites women (i.e. parent job seekers) and their children to their drop-in sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 9:30-12:00 pm and every Thursday and Friday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 pm.  They ask you to join them in their new home…they say we would love to hear your thoughts on what we can offer the community.

*A Mothers’ Centre is a “public living room” where women, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers can meet on a regular basis to support one another. It provides a space for healing, respect and compassion.  Mothers’ Centre’s offer the opportunity for women to connect with their community and to build upon their leadership skills; children also have the opportunity to socialize with new friends in a relaxed and friendly environment.