Niagara College’s Community Employment Services (CES) office has officially moved to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, providing job seekers with a newly accessible hub to get their foot in the door of a new career.
Previously situated in downtown St. Catharines, the move centralizes the important, government-funded supports offered by CES to an on-campus location alongside many of the College’s academic areas. Its new campus location also offers clients the benefit of ample on-site parking and convenient access to public transit for clients.
Eleven CES staff members work from the new office which opened its doors on campus in mid-November at N105, just steps from the front entrance of the DJP Campus. The site features a community resource area, giving clients the tools they need – including computers and printers – to conduct independent job searches or meet with employment advisors.
Gary Bruce, CES Manager, is thrilled with the new location.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better location on campus,” he said. “It’s very close to the main entrance so our clients can find us very easily and they have convenient access to parking and public transit.”
CES offers free one-on-one support through every stage, from pre-employment to securing a job. They serve approximately 1,600 job seekers per year and work with hundreds of employers throughout Niagara to support their hiring needs.
The office is open to anyone looking to land a new job or interested in a career change, whether they are currently employed, unemployed, or looking to climb the corporate ladder.
Bruce noted the broad scope of the office’s client support.
“We support all job seekers. Even job seekers who are employed – in a ‘survival’ type job – or underemployed, looking to change careers,” he said. “If looking at retraining options, CES can connect them with programs like Better Jobs Ontario and pre-apprenticeship to upskill or reskill.”
For looking to retrain, CES can connect them with programs like Better Jobs Ontario.
In addition to creating efficiencies, aligning with NC’s steps to contribute to balanced budgets, the new on-campus location is expected to foster stronger relationships between CES staff and the College community.
Bruce noted that he looks forward to new opportunities for the future now that the office is on campus.
“We look forward to establishing relationships, collaborating with other departments within the College and working closely with Career Services to best support our students,” said Bruce.
NC staff and students are encouraged to stop by the new site and say hello. A grand opening event is expected in the new year.
For info about services offered at CES, visit niagaracollege.ca/ces.
