Carrier Sekani Family Services

Bridging

The Carrier Sekani Family Services, Bridging Program has been in operation since 2000. The Bridging to Employment Program is funded by the Urban Aboriginal Working Group (UAWG), and Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment & Training Association (PGNAETA).  Initially the Bridging Program started as a Healing & Wellness Program focusing on Therapeutic Life Skills.

It has now evolved into a Employment Focused Program.

On average there have been approximate 3 Bridging groups per year; which translates into 24 groups that have completed the Program. Group sizes have ranged from 15 to 20 students. The approximate number of students who have completing the program would be 382.

Purpose

  1. To teach daily living strategies to students and to enhance communication skills.
  2. To assist clients in dealing with the issues in their lives which are barriers to employment.
  3. To provide access to specific job training experiences

Target Group

  • Must be Aboriginal
  • Must be fifteen or older
  • Must be unemployed, underemployed or seeking education
  • Must have identified themselves as having personal barriers that prevent them from obtaining further education or employment.

Selection Process

Selection of participants will be by application or referral.  Students may wish to apply on their own and others may be selected by way of referral from agencies within the community.
All interested people will be interviewed and selection will be based on the information gathered during the interview.

A total of fifteen participants will be selected for each group.  Those students who do not enter into the first session will be placed on a waitlist.  Should any seats become available in the first two weeks students from the waitlist will be given priority.

Skills Developed

  • Basic Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Self Esteem building
  • Budgeting & home management
  • Grief & Loss
  • Certification for Food Safe, First Aid. WHMIS, First Host, and Serving it Right.
  • Job readiness
  • Two week job placement
  • Post Secondary Orientation
  • Introduction to the Trades field

Work Experience

Upon completion of the initial stages of the Bridging Program, each participant will be given the opportunity to acquire some new skills in the area of their choice.  This experience is designed to assist the participants in focusing on a career or education goals for the future, and also to help better understand the responsibility that accompanies employment.

For more Information or To Register

Please call Carrier Sekani Family Services at 562-3591, 250-563-1281, or 564-0997. Please ask for Darlene Dunne, Bridging Program Coordinator and she can assist you with the process of registering and any questions concerning the program. Applications can also be picked up at Carrier Sekani Family Services reception. 

Bus passes will be available, if required.