Making Connections
Gov't site helps job-seekers network onlineOne-stop shopping has become something of a mantra for many businesses. In some supermarkets, for example, it's now possible to buy everything from soup to nuts -- and garden furniture, DVD players, cellphones and underwear. DAVID CHILTON, SPECIAL TO THE SUN |
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 [ 2007-02-28 ] |
CHRIS BENTLEY: Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities
This one-stop shopping principle applies to Employment Ontario, too, the province's still-new venture that seeks to bring together job seekers, employers, schools and training under one online umbrella at www.ontario.ca/employment ontario.
Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, says the idea behind the online service is to put any information users are likely to need at their fingertips, in addition to the usual toll-free phone line (1-800 387-5656 or 416-326-5656 in Toronto).
"I don't think it's been user friendly (until now)," Bentley said in an interview from his constituency in London, pointing out that a number of people who have already used the system have found it handy. And just to be sure, Bentley himself logged on. "I went on the web to see if it worked," he says, declaring himself satisfied with the experience.
At the site, just one example of some of the information available gives an idea of how exhaustive the online service is. Clicking the Job Seekers button will tell new immigrants how to find out more about entering professions and trades in the province; there's information on apprenticeship programs and the Future Entrepreneurs Program for students in Grades 7 and 9.
Anyone seeking high school equivalency can find out more from the General Educational Development page, and there are details on language training and basic literary and math skills. The disabled can access Ontario Disability Support Program information, and those who want to work for themselves can find out more about the Ontario Self-Employment Benefit program.
In addition to finding the information they want, users can also learn the names and addresses of the organizations in their area that provide the various services. And in case English comprehension is a problem, all of the information at the website is also in French and 21 other languages, including those of First Nations.
Bentley allows that the online project is an evolving one, and says behind the site and the call centre the government is working to improve the referrals they provide. "In some communities there was a good referral system, but not in others," he says.
Above all, Bentley wants to promote the skills Ontarians need to find a job and to encourage strong links to those businesses that provide those jobs.
It's early days yet for Employment Ontario online, Bentley agrees, but he says in the next three or four months the government will compile comments that users have posted at the website -- a comment feature has just been added -- and see what emerges. Once that's done they'll dictate at least some of the future direction of the site.
Because Employment Ontario isn't static it's a fair bet advertising for the site won't be either. Bentley says the goal of the initial advertising campaign is to put employment in peoples' minds at every opportunity. It's already some of the way there. The minister says the province serves a million people a year in some employment-related fashion backed by a billion dollars worth of services.
EMPLOYMENT ONTARIO QUICK FACTS
- Log on at www.ontario.ca/employmentontario
- The site provides exhaustive information on employment, job skills and training, financial support and much more, including the names and addresses of local provider agencies.
- Users can find details of various programs in English, French and 21 other languages.
- Users are encouraged to post their thoughts on the site using its comment feature.
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