CERP Update

Update

Comments across the region include:

Karen Wilson, Executive Director of Employment Planning & Counselling Peterborough and Co-Chair of CERP Peterborough says“Collaborative use of our collective resources at CERP has enhanced overall employment services in the community regardless of the entry point for the unemployed and local business. The employer database, job board and community calendar are examples of the high standards that can be accomplished when we are working together to serve our community.”

 “The CERP objectives fit nicely into the overall strategy of the Northumberland CERP, including an increased use of information technology”, says Greg Watton CERP member, and President of Watton Employment Services. "The CERP website (www.communityerp.ca) , which is now live,  introduces the technological infrastructure needed in the community to link the unemployed and under employed who are seeking employment with perspective employers. This should be particularly attractive to not only existing businesses but also new businesses considering locating in this County. Everyone wins. “The CERP is a simple but long overdue initiative that directly benefits the County of Northumberland," adds Mr. Watton. The website also provides a calendar where organizations across the four counties can share information and professional development opportunities.

Ellen Armstrong, Manager of Employment Services, County of Northumberland Community and Social Services Department, and CERP member says “I am very excited about this initiative.  There are so many people in our communities that will benefit from CERP Northumberland.  Our staff is keen to be able to use a database that will assist them in matching people with potential employment opportunities.  This one aspect of the CERP alone provides resources to community members, employers, employment providers and economic development offices throughout the County that did not exist previously.  The CERP will also allow us to provide more coherent programming that integrates our systems of employment services with a focus clearly on the best possible outcomes and services to individuals.  It is also the start of the collection of statistical data that will allow us to jointly plan future projects that more directly reflect the needs of the community.”

Jamie Simmons, Program Development Manager of the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, and also a CERP member sees the establishment of the new group and the increased use of technology and the website as being valuable assets in the area’s economic development “tool kit”. Simmons says “The more information we have about our local labour market and the opportunities that are available, the better equipped we are to attract new businesses and help existing businesses to expand.”

Dan Borowec, Director of Economic Development for Northumberland County echoes Mr. Simmons comments. “The process of site selection for businesses that are looking to re-locate or establish their business is becoming more complex all the time. To attract the business and industry that will help create jobs and stimulate the local economy it is important that we have all the resources on hand to be able to provide timely and relevant information. Mr. Borowec adds “Whether its educational opportunities, labour market analysis, or serviced land inventories the increasing use of technology is critical.  This new CERP website is one of the ways that will help us with some of that timely information.”

Gord Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the Workforce Development Board states, “This collaborative partnership among our employment service agencies places our area employers and job seekers in a unique position compared to many other communities across the province.  Having 35 agencies working in concert to match local jobs and local job seekers across four counties prior to looking beyond the area is outstanding.   New companies locating here have already shared with us how exceptional it is for them to have such a coordinated service available to them when staffing their organization.”