Program expands to Montague

For more than 40 years, Career Bridges has offered vocational assessment and guidance for people considering a career change or further training.

The program is designed to meet a variety of individual needs and is now offered in Montague, O’Leary, Summerside, and Charlottetown.

The 12-week program, which started in Montague in February, is full to capacity, and has a waiting list for the next intake.

“We have had many enquiries about establishing a program in eastern PEI,” says Bruce Cluney, previous Coordinator of Career Bridges. “It is our goal to establish a long-term presence in Montague.”

The program involves a six-week in-class component covering such topics as diagnostic and self-assessment exercises, career exploration, and job search skills. The last six weeks is a work placement.

The program is provided at no cost to participants, who may receive a stipend if they are not receiving other government-based funding.

Success story

Bruce is one of many Career Bridges success stories. His participation in the program eventually led to employment with the service provider. “About a year and half ago, I moved to PEI from Newfoundland with my wife and family. I wanted to explore a career change to make a successful transition into the workforce in the province.

“I was reading The Employment Journey publication at the local library when I saw information about Career Bridges,” says Bruce. “I was intrigued about the program and I gave their office a call. When I was accepted into the program, I realized it was a great opportunity to give myself a makeover in my career exploration, resumѐ writing, and job search skills.

“The program allowed me to become more familiar with the Island and to explore what resources and tools were available to assist me in my employment pursuits.

The diagnostic and self-assessment component confirmed that my gifts were in the areas of administration, leadership, and helping others.

“When I graduated from university, I started as a guidance counsellor in the K-12 education system, and I also spent a few years administering an adult basic education and life skills program.

“After about 12 years, I made a career change into the field of business. When I arrived on PEI, I wanted to contribute something meaningful to life on this beautiful island.”

Bruce completed the Career Bridges program in June of 2018, and eventually went full circle when he was offered a job as Provincial Coordinator for the Career Bridges program. He is also the French Education Coordinator for the Charlottetown Islanders hockey team.

“I started my professional life providing guidance services, and now I found myself back in that same environment,” says Bruce. “The whole process was very rewarding, and the end result was better than what I had hoped for.”

Funded in whole or in part through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.