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Local programs aimed at upgrading skills, creating opportunities for work

Spark Employment Services offers a range of training courses in technology, retail, communications and employment readiness
SUD Spotlight Image_Spark Employment2

For over 30 years, Spark Employment Services has been helping clients in the Sudbury area secure employment. Those looking to enhance their employability skills or upgrade their skill set will want to explore Spark’s Training and Skills Development program. 

To help clients acquire the necessary skills needed for gainful employment, Spark’s Educational Training courses include:

GED Preparation  

The General Educational Development (GED) is an Ontario High School Equivalency Certificate for adults who were unable to complete their high school program. Most jobs require a minimum of a high school diploma. Spark works to prepare clients who wish to write the GED test and helps them to develop good study habits. Passing the GED test provides many benefits including:

  • Receiving a high school equivalency certificate;
  • Qualifying for employment;
  • Qualifying for a promotion;
  • Registering for an apprenticeship;
  • Applying for admission to college or other training institute program; and
  • Achieving personal satisfaction.

The GED consists of five separate exams in Science, Social Studies, Reading, Math and Writing.

Digital Technology Training

The Microsoft Office Workplace Essentials class helps learners develop their essential digital workplace skills. The course explores the world of Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as PDF files, file management, and email. 

The Resume and Cover Letters Done Right program gives clients tips on resume formatting and how to write crisp and clean cover letters. It also touches on the dos and don’ts of creating the all-important resume and cover letter package. 

Customer Service and Retail Courses 

The Customer Service and the Retail courses provide clients with a certificate upon completion, which definitely adds value to ones resume when applying for jobs in these fields. The program is made up of activities, exercises and discussions relevant to helping the public and working with people. Conversations about public interaction, customer service etiquette and communication will also be covered.

The Retail Program infuses these criteria but with a retail aspect. It covers money math, working in different types of retail environments, money handling, store procedures and what it means to be a retail associate in an ever-changing retail environment.

The Soft Skills Solutions© course is an interactive group workshop designed to improve the skills that are in demand by employers. This includes communication in the workplace, motivation, personal management, teamwork, problem solving and professional and skills advancement. The facilitator will focus on the importance of soft skills and demonstrate why they are so important today. This is achieved through discussions, videos and activities. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate – an added bonus to any resume!

General Workplace Essential Skills Training

Spark also offers individualized training around workplace communications, math and preparing for certification tests, which also helps with reading and understanding manuals.

Employment Readiness Workshops

Spark Employment Services’ Training and Skills Development program also offers a variety of employment readiness workshops, short courses and e-learning opportunities.

Due to the pandemic, Spark has shifted to remote learning. All courses are being offered online via facilitator-led Zoom sessions. While everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the online features, some courses, the GED, Customer Service, Retail and General Workplace Essential Skills Training can be taken by phone or email.  The organization is committed to providing the same great course with the ability to reach more people.

Those without access to a computer and/or the Internet can contact Spark to discuss options.

How to Apply

Interested? Visit the Spark Employment Services website. Or call 705-671-2544 to find out about availability and the registration process.