THE COTE-DES-NEIGES JOB SEARCH CENTRE:

15 YEARS SERVING JOB SEEKER

The Cote-des-Neiges Job Search Centre is celebrating its 15th anniversary this week. Since opening in 1994, the Centre has helped more than 7,000 job seekers organize their approach to finding work.

“Job seekers are often left on their own as they try to find work,” says Diane Brunelle, the Centre’s Director. “Some of them feel discouraged after a number of unsuccessful attempts. However, they simply need to make some adjustments to see a substantial improvement in the effectiveness of their approach. The placement rate among participants in our Job Search Club workshops is about 75% three months after the end of the workshop.”

Although its services are open to everyone, the Centre provides particular support to immigrants, helping them understand the Quebec job market and organizing their job search approach. Ms. Brunelle notes that “the unemployment rate among new immigrants 25 to 54 years old is around 18%, and it is nearly 15% among immigrants who have been in the country for less than 10 years but more than five years. Our services give them a better understanding of the Quebec labour market and help them find work that matches their expectations and qualifications.”

To mark its 15th anniversary, the Centre held a cocktail gathering on May 26, bringing together a number of partners and VIP guests representing various political and community organizations.

Ms. Brunelle thanked all employees, partners and volunteers who have contributed to the Centre’s 15 years of success. She also praised the eight years of volunte er service provided by Michel Cusson as a board member and the Centre’s Treasurer.

The Cote-des-Neiges Job Search Centre

The Centre, created in 1994, is a non-profit organization that offers its services free of charge to help its clients organize their approach to seeking and obtaining jobs. The Centre provides bilingual services on a group or individual basis, depending on its clients’ specific needs. It receives financial support from Emploi-Quebec.