The Chatham-Kent Workforce Development Council will be presenting “Remote Employment Training for Job Seekers” on February 27-29, 2012. Interested job seekers can find out more information through Adult Language & Learning, Goodwill Career Centre, Employment & Social Services (Ontario Works) or St Clair College Employment Centre in Wallaceburg.
The council applies annually for project funding through the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to run events and training that help fill labour market needs. Remote Employment Training for Job Seekers was last presented in Chatham in December. The workshop attracted 20 adults who were referred from various agencies including the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services Division, Goodwill Career Centres and Adult Language & Learning.
“The job potential is ’limitless’ for Chatham-Kent residents and they don’t have to leave the comfort of their homes,” says Catherine Chambers, BA, M Ed, the leader of the workshop on remote learning, adding, “If you have an idea, there’s a marketplace for it.”
Chambers outlined a number of websites that are available for people who want to work from home. They feature occupations such as medical transcription, tutoring, bookkeeping and administrative assistance. The training also includes information on what job seekers need in order to get started and be successful in remote employment opportunities.
While Chatham-Kent is facing high unemployment in many traditional areas such as industry, on-line opportunities are burgeoning. Chambers says that remote or home learning focuses on “entrepreneurship,” as many of those now engaged in it are independent contractors. The ability to do a job is considered more important than educational or academic requirements: “Success is based on outcomes,” she says. “It’s a matter of imagination that needs to be developed.”
Chambers adds that working at home is also an alternative for people who are physically disabled and unable to work in traditional settings. It allows people to set their own hours, based on the needs of the task.
Student Dan Charron called the workshop “excellent” Charron is looking for work in the telemarketing field and says the workshop “has given me the tools and the website information to help me find employment.” He is also gratified to learn that there are many job opportunities for people based on how well they can do a job, as opposed to credentialed work.
For student Amy Sinclair, the potential to work at home would provide her with flexible hours, so that she won’t have to find child care for her two school-age children. “I’m looking for work as an administrative assistant or bookkeeper, or in a variety of other areas, and this workshop has provided me with information on websites and tools that can help me achieve that goal.”
For more information on the Chatham-Kent Workforce Development Council and visit www.chathamkentworkforce.com.
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