Walk a mile in my shoes

The Labour Market Group
News Release

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The Labour Market Group, Near North District School Board and The North Bay General Hospital are pleased to announce the 2nd annual Walk A Mile In My Shoes - Job Shadowing Day taking place Monday, December 14th, 2009.

Louise Lowe, Project Coordinator for The Labour Market Group states, “We are thrilled to provide the students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Health and Wellness Program an opportunity for hands on experience with careers in the North Bay healthcare sector. This is the second year in a row that we have been able to join forces with The North Bay General Hospital and The Near North District School Board to provide an in-depth look into what goes on - on a daily basis at our hospital.” Walk A Mile In My Shoes provides students participating in this event, the opportunity to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests.

As a result of a Labour Market Needs Assessment study for the city of North Bay, completed in the spring of 2009 and the annual TOP consultations; The Labour Market Group has identified the healthcare industry as a labour market sector requiring attention due to employment needs. Annually, The Labour Market Group brings together community partners at a grassroots level to address local workforce issues. These community consultations provide the basis of the TOP (Trends, Opportunities and Priorities) Report as well as partnerships for the upcoming year. Walk a Mile in My Shoes engages not only key employers such as the North Bay District General Hospital, but also The Near North District School Board and local high school students, some of our future employees within the healthcare sector, to promote job opportunities and experience in this field.

Currently, 4 school boards within the Nipissing district carry the Specialist High Skills Major program, including Widdifield Secondary School which offers the Health and Wellness studies. Walk A Mile In My Shoes – Job Shadow Day enables students to take part in co-operative education, including work experience relating to their field of study; one of the requirements in obtaining the High Skills Major Seal on their diploma.

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