A ground-breaking program is being piloted in Arnprior and the entire community stands to benefit.
Community Action Arnprior, in collaboration with WildRoga, is inviting small and medium enterprises, community-based organizations, public agencies and job seekers on an exciting journey focused on workforce planning, training, and work placements.
With funding from the Government of Canada through the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, Community Action Arnprior is about community-based growth, with community-based folks, explains Ro Nwosu of WildRoga.
“The goal is we are looking for employers, we have six on board in this program so far who are looking to find workers/creatives/employees who are looking to grow not just in their career but to find training or be reskilled in their training with more of a community-focused approach,” said Nwosu.
Community Action Arnprior is about employers and employees working together to build models that support everyone who comes to Arnprior or who has already been here.
And while there’s a short timeline in the three-month pilot, there is still an opportunity for employers to get involved.
“This pilot program offers people who are being hired by these spaces opportunities for upskilling and reskilling, mentorship, and wrap-around support. And we get to hear more about what their needs are,” said Nwosu.
Issues and barriers can include finding day care, transportation, language, and more and often, employers don’t know how to go about supporting employees.
There’s a particular focus on connecting existing community organizations, innovation, the environment and growing a clean economy.
“We’re giving the employers that training, and the employees are getting that support,” said Nwosu.
Community Action Arnprior is led by three strong mothers of diverse backgrounds who moved to the area, explained Nwosu, who have lived experience and have been able to flourish because of community innovation and doing things differently.
A Career Connect Mixer is planned for Thursday, Jan. 25, from 6-8 p.m. at the Arnprior Museum.
For more information, visit www.communityactionarnprior.com or email communityaction@wildroga.com
(Written by Sherry Haaima)