Workforce Windsor-Essex, Libro partner for job seekers

By Mark Ribble

REGIONAL — An innovative new online job-seeking tool is now up and running, thanks to the collaboration of Workforce Windsor-Essex and Libro Credit Union.

On July 16, a news conference was held to announce the launch of the new Workforce Windsor- Essex Training Board and Career Calculator.

The two features, now available at workforcewindsoressex.com, will help those seeking employment or looking for career paths to make better, more informed decisions.

“The state of the local economy is always at the top of our minds at Libro,” said Lori Atkinson, Libro Regional.

Atkinson went on to say that many of the jobs in the area are gone and may never return, while other in-demand jobs remain unfilled.

The Libro investment of $62,000 toward the new tools will help in that regard.

“We’re doing what we can to bring out the potential in people around us,” she said.

Tashlyn Teskey, Manager of Products and Research at Workforce Windsor-Essex, took viewers on a tour of the two new career tools complete with sample jobs and different scenarios.

The Training Board tool allows users to search for training for an array of different careers. You can search by keyword and the tool allows several filters to be applied as well, with the training opportunities organized by date so you can see the closest available.

The Career Calculator further expands the horizons for jobseekers by helping people choose from a large variety of career paths based on required education, salary expectations and job availability in that particular sector. It also allows you to calculate how much you would make over your career, taking into consideration the payback of loans for education and training.

The service is completely free and can be accessed by anyone with a computer. Carolyn Warkentin, Executive Director of South Essex Community Council, was thrilled with the new tools.

“Workforce Windsor- Essex has always been a great partner for us,” she said. “These tools are a great resource for youth who are planning their careers in Windsor Essex.”

Warkentin was confident that the training board would really help them serve their clients and add yet another tool to their arsenal when it comes to helping people find careers.

To access the new tools, visit workforcewindsoressex.com, where you’ll find numerous resources to help with job searches and training, including the two new boards.