NCDS sets up shop in Rainy River

Ken Johnston
Editor

Whether you are looking for a job or an employer hoping to hire someone, a new office in Rainy River may be able to help you.
Northern Community Development Services (NCDS) opened an office in Rainy River this week in the same building as Sears/RR Dutyfree and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Based out of Fort Frances NCDS will staff the Rainy River office every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in an effort to provide services to people who before had to drive to Fort Frances.
NCDS offers several initiatives for those seeking employment. The Job Connect program features employment counselling and placement services for young people ages 16-24 who are returning to school the following fall. Staff member Kelly Kennedy will help students at the Rainy River office write their resumé, provide a job listings board, do skills assessments, help with job searches on the internet, plus much much more.
NCDS also has information on various wage assistance programs for employers. Anyone seeking help with employee’s wages can contact Kelly Kennedy at 274-2282 for now. They hope to have their local phone up and running this week.
NDDS is a non-profit social service organization serving the RR District since 1975.
They also provide similar services for adults seeking work or with educational needs.
Workshops for businesses’ employees are also offered by NCDS. Some are free while others have fees attached to them. “We can do customer service workshops for employers,” said Kennedy. They also offer the Smart Serve, First Aid/CPR, WHIMIS/YWAP training, Passport to Safety, Employer Expectations and Skilled Trades seminars.
Kennedy noted that although they are in Rainy River to cut down on travel times for employers or potential employees, they are willing to travel to them. “We often meet with people in places like the Bergland or Stratton Cafés.”
There is no appointment necessary for the employment searching or helping employers find them or wage subsidies. However, workshops take some organizing so calling to see what is coming or to get the ball rolling wouldn’t hurt.
They can also help employers with apprenticeship programs.
For more information on what NCDS can do for you or your business you can stop in on Tuesdays, call the above number or look them up on the internet at www.ncds4jobs.ca.