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Portage Work Experience Program

The Portage Work Experience Program (PWEP) is an employment program that assists youth (ages 15-30) in Portage la Prairie and surrounding communities to overcome barriers to employment. These barriers may include, but are not limited to:

  • youth who are early leavers from high school
  • youth from visible minority groups
  • youth living with disabilities
  • single-parent youth
  • youth living in low-income households
  • youth experiencing homelessness or precarious housing
  • youth living in rural or remote areas

Through skills training and work experience, participants will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge to help guide them toward a successful transition to the labour market or to return to school. Applicants selected for the program will receive pre-employment skills training for 30 hours per week for four weeks, followed by a work placement for up to 375 hours, compensated by their employer starting at minimum wage (MB) or higher.

Some of the training may include:

  • First Aid, CPR & AED Certification
  • Job Search & Interview Preparation
  • Career & Resume Development
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Time Management
  • Accountability in the Workplace
  • Money Management
  • Basic Computer and Email Etiquette
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Food Handlers & Smart Choices Certification
  • And more!

How to Apply: Application forms can be found online at www.pllc.ca, or in-person at 110 Saskatchewan Ave. West, or email pwep@pllc.ca to request a form to be emailed to you.

Looking for Employers

The PLLC is continuously looking for interested employers in the Portage la Prairie area to accept a participant in their workplace. We welcome participation from all employers in the Central Plains region. Each participant will be work-ready, but also closely supported by our Portage Work Experience Program Coordinator.

The PLLC requires commitment from the employer to train, support and supervise the Portage Work Experience participant as well as notify our Program Coordinator of any issues or concerns with their employee. This work experience will serve to enhance the employment and occupational skills of the participants.

Participants are required to attend their work experience for up to 8 hours a day for 30-40 hours per week for 10 weeks (or 375 hours). Participants will be paid by the employer and the PLLC will reimburse the employer based on time sheets and invoice(s).

Although it is not a requirement, the PLLC urges employers to consider continuing employment of the participant following the end of their placement.

Some benefits to employers include:

  • Reimbursements for their costs during the work placements (min. wage, MERCs, etc.)
  • Participants will have completed employability and skills training
  • Weekly/Bi-weekly check-ins through the duration of the 10 weeks or 375 hours of employment
  • Some training is already provided to participants so employers do not have those costs (such as CPR/First Aid, WHMIS, Food Handler’s, etc.)

For more information or to register as an employer or participant, please contact the Program Coordinators at 204-857-6304 ext. 267.