News.

• Position: Passport to Prosperity program for students

Since September of last year, the Muskoka, Nipissing, Parry Sound Local Training and Adjustment Board's 2004/2005 Passport to Prosperity Campaign has been heightening awareness of school- to-work transition programs amongst students, parents and community stakeholders throughout the districts of Muskoka, Nipissing and Parry Sound. This year's activity based approached has proved to be the most successful, delivering many exciting events in partnership with community stakeholders, including Education, throughout the districts. Because of the success of these events, the Campaign has successfully recruited hundreds of new employers to the Muskoka, Nipissing, Parry Sound Local Training and Adjustment Board's Passport to Prosperity database and informed dozens more of the benefits of school-to-work opportunities. More employers have become involved with their local schools in programs such as; cooperative education, job shadowing and mentoring. All provide students with an opportunity to enhance classroom learning with planned learning in the workplace. These opportunities can help all students plan their careers and develop the important skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for future successes in the work place.

Some of this year's Campaign highlights include:

Bridges to Better Business: (Muskoka, North Bay and Parry Sound) A day aimed at assisting small businesses by offering various networking opportunities, interactive workshops and an after hours trade show.

Competition Technologique: (Sturgeon Falls) A fun filled day for students to display their technical skills in a regional competition.

Health Sector Tour Day for Students: (Bracebridge) A one-day event created for Muskoka High School students to bring awareness of the variety of career options available in the Health Sector. Facilities toured included the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, The Pines Long term Care Facility and the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.

Muskoka Industry Tour: (Bracebridge) This tour took local educators "Behind the Closed Doors" of local industries True North Log Homes, Muskoka Roof Truss and Woodsmiths of Muskoka in order that they become more aware of the local employment opportunities available.

Women in Business Symposium: (Gravenhurst) A two day event highlighting and honouring those women who have made a significant contribution to the Muskoka business community. Workshops, presentations and a networking tradeshow were only a few of the events...