News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By LeRae Haynes

Employers in Williams Lake and surrounding areas will have a unique opportunity on Tuesday. At the 15th annual Employer Open House for the Applied Business Technology (ABT) class, they will be able to access potential employees with skills in the latest office technologies. They will meet a group of people who are trained, who have had practical experience, and who are primed for the workplace.

The class includes courses in computer software, business communications, bookkeeping and human relations. By the time they graduate, each student will have completed two practicum experiences in offices throughout the community, which provide networking opportunities and practical application for their skills.

When prospective employers attend the drop-in Open House, they will be able to peruse the resumes and portfolios of the students, as well as samples of their work: brochures, professional correspondences and business cards.

(Photo: The Applied Business Technology Class 2010 at TRU welcomes prospective employers to the 15th annual Employer Open House on Tuesday, May 4.)

Janet Bedford, ABT student, said that she viewed the course from the beginning as a great opportunity for her future. She explained that she been in business for 30 years, and wanted to update and refresh her skills and take her business online.

 “I did my first practicum with Community Policing and loved it,” she stated. “I got to do so many things, like designing letterhead and posters and revising forms for them---I loved the freedom, independence and versatility of the job.”

She said that she received very positive feedback and excellent evaluations for her work at Community Policing, and added that her second practicum will be at the Williams Lake RCMP office.

 ABT student Ashlee Turatus said that at the Open House the class will get to show prospective employers what they’ve learned and what they have to offer.

 “My first practicum was at Axis Family Resources and I really enjoyed my time there---it resulted in a job offer for me,” she explained.

She said that other practicum for the ABT students included the Women’s Contact Society, the Investors Group, Cariboo Fire Centre, City Hall, Child Development Centre, the Business Improvement Association, TRU and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association.  

 Both women said that one of the best things about the Applied Business Technology class was the instructor, Mayor Kerry Cook.

“She is an amazing woman with two demanding jobs and a family, and she brings a lot of knowledge to her class,” Ashlee said. “She is confident and positive and has the ability to pass that on to us.” 

“She’s very strong on believing in yourself, updating and improving yourself and in taking responsibility for your own actions,” Janet explained. “She pushes us to set goals, meet goals and then set new ones.”

The students are eagerly looking forward to the Open House on Tuesday, and to the opportunity to show prospective employers the professional skills they have to offer. Besides a tour of the campus and a great buffet lunch, guests can see sample work portfolios and experience computer demonstrations by potential employees.

“Employers can be assured that when they come and meet our class, they will have a lot of qualified people that they can choose from,” Janet said.

“They will see that we are great team players and are very well-qualified,” Ashlee added. “We can be a huge asset to any work place.” 

Students in the class are Amanda Charleyboy, Crystal Petryshen, Heather Berkelaar, Kim Johnny, Nicole Ritchot, Vanessa Sulymka, Andrea Charleyboy, Dorothy Mundy, Jan Buker, Leah Johnny, shirley Janzen, Ashlee Turatus, Glenda Winger, Janet Bedford, LeRay Fuller, Tanya Povelofskie, Charlotte McGown, Hailee Rauch, Karlee Margetts, Meghan Ford and Tasha Reynolds.

 The Employer Open House is on Tuesday, May 4 at TRU from 11am-2pm and a buffet lunch is included.

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