It is busy times at the Chase and District Employment Centre, with a whole new administration system which is intended to provide better ‘self service’ for job seekers, now under the Employment Program of British Columbia as of April 2.The Employment Centre is also sponsored by the Chase Chamber of Commerce. Manager/ co-ordinator Tom Price has been juggling the changes as well as projects like the Launch-a-Preneur program and the ‘Moving Forward Together’ conference initiated by Adams Lake Indian Band.Earlier at the Chase Chamber of Commerce AGM, Price announced that combined efforts of other community chambers, has drawn huge response from member businesses. Working collectively towards improving business opportunities is the goal.Better business practices can mean more employment opportunities as well.There are a couple of free workshops happening in April at the Chase Employment Centre: Skilled Trades Employment Program and Bold Eagle.The Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) is a program developed by the BC Construction Association. It is geared towards helping employers in B.C. get the skilled workers they need by matching them up with people who have some experience or who want to start a career in the trades.Necessary training can be provided for individuals to start out in the industry. This program is for people who are not attached to Employment Insurance or who are employed in a low-skilled position and lack certification, a high school diploma or essential skills. Contact the office for more information and to book an appointment at 250-679-8448.Bold Eagle is an aboriginal youth development program conducted by the Department of National Defence and its partner aboriginal organizations. It has been conducted within Land Force Western Area (LFWA) since summer 1990, expanding from its origins in Saskatchewan to include participation by aboriginal peoples throughout western Canada and northwestern Ontario.Bold Eagle’s goals are to contribute to the development of aboriginal youth by fostering self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork and physical fitness.Training consists of two parts – an aboriginal culture camp, followed by a Canadian Forces Army Reserve basic military qualification course, otherwise known as basic training. The training is completed over six weeks during July and August.Applications for Bold Eagle, with the completed documents, must be received by April 30 each year.For more information and to apply, go to the website at: www.army.forces.gc.ca/boldeagle, call 1-800-856-8488 or contact the LFWA Bold Eagle co-ordinator at 403-410-2320 ext. 3555, or by email: nolan.kemp@forces.gc.ca.

Salmon Arm Observer