THUNDER BAY — Anishinabek Employment and Training Services held an open house on Thursday to announce the official opening of its new location in the city.
The employment agency now operates out of the third floor of the former Dawson Court building, owned by Matawa First Nations, after leaving the Thunder Bay Public Library's Waverley branch on unfavourable terms earlier this year
“The transition of sites was necessary and we know that it’s a bigger space that we’re in,” said John DeGiacomo, AETS’s executive director.
“It’s a space that allows us to welcome those job seekers and have the wraparound supports that they need to be successful in the workplace.”
DeGiacomo explained that the agency also transitioned so that AETS could be able to offer more services and opportunities for clients.
“We’ve got a space not only here but at Goods and Co. So collectively we have over 10,000 square feet to serve the clients with over 20 staff,” he said.
AETS held its open house to help clients to become familiar with the space and acknowledge its partners when delivering programs.
The open house offered clients of the agency the chance to participate in a ceremonial tree planting, a barbecue lunch, office tours and all-age activities, including bouncy castles for children.
“The event today is to celebrate the fact that we are in a new space on Algoma and really to celebrate the fact that it is a revitalized space and we have a number of programs and services that we continue to deliver with the same great staff, just a different location,” said DeGiacomo.
“And then the second reason is really to acknowledge those that we serve, along with our partners. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of partners and those supports.”
In addition to the open house, AETS was also showcasing its construction craft worker and cement finisher training program.
“There’ll be partners such as unions that are here who help deliver our training programs, but also other partners that help with the wraparound supports to make sure when we have clients coming in from off reserve, they have the services that they need to be successful in their career choices,” said DeGiacomo.
With many clients AETS serves being parents, DeGiacomo added they were also there to acknowledge these clients and their children and get them familiar with the space.
“So, they feel welcome and they know where their parents are going and they’re either in an education program to help (with) getting a Grade 12 (diploma) or they’re in a training program towards a certain sector. So that the employers can welcome in Indigenous clients... (who) are looking for work and to be retained in the workplace,” said DeGiacomo.
AETS serves nine member First Nations in Robinson-Superior Treaty area.